Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms

Locations: Bothell, Washington, United States; College Park, Maryland, United States; Göteborg, Västra Götaland, Sweden; Remote, US; Toronto, Ontario, Canada IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution. We are looking for a Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms to lead the technical development in utilizing IonQ’s quantum computers to create highly differentiated quantum solutions that will bring value to society. As a Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms, you’ll be a core member of a cross-functional team whose mandate is central to IonQ’s mission to solve the world’s most complex problems using the world’s best quantum computers. As a hands-on expert in fault-tolerant algorithms, you will help discover the next generation of quantum applications that are poised to deliver results exceeding state-of-the-art classical methods. You will play a key role in developing quantum algorithms, core IP, computational resource models, long-term roadmaps, and end-to-end workflows that have the potential to disrupt the field of computing. You will also work closely with product, engineering, marketing, sales, operations, and external customers/partners to brainstorm new ideas, propose complex, multi-year initiatives and represent IonQ at high-visibility technical conferences (often all in a single day)!

Responsibilities:

• Lead hands-on development of novel fault-tolerant quantum algorithms that will make a large scientific and commercial impact across a wide range of industry verticals.
• Perform detailed resource analyses of quantum algorithms and perform SWOT analysis of FTQC approaches as compared to NISQ and/or classical methods.
• Provide trusted expertise in FTQC algorithms and communicate the current state-of-the-art, scaling behaviors, trade offs, cross-over points, etc. to stakeholders across the company.
• Drive constructive technical interactions across multi-disciplinary teams to identify, define and solve challenging real-world problems using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Develop and drive adoption of industry-leading benchmarking and resource estimation methodologies, metrics, and tools.
• Develop portfolio of foundational IP and high-impact-factor peer-reviewed publications; represent IonQ externally with customer/clients and at conferences.

You’d be a good fit with:

• PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science or similar field or comparable field or equivalent work experience + 3 years of professional experience in the quantum computing field
• Demonstrated expertise in FTQC algorithms that can scale to millions of qubits billions of gates with line-of-sight to end-customer value: active portfolio of invited talks repos licenses publications and/or patents
• Active participant in the FTQC algorithm community via development of tools (libraries simulators compiler) metrics (costing resource estimation ROI) and/or community (economic development standards)
• Relentless dedication to optimizing algorithmic performance (accuracy time-to-solution) through elegant theoretical equations as well as engineering optimization
• Mastery of key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing and quantum algorithm development and demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results clearly.

You’d be a great fit with:

• 5+ years of professional work experience developing end-to-end solutions for realistic industry problems such as computer-aided engineering cybersecurity chemistry etc.
• Experience working with quantum algorithms for relevant use cases including:
• Quantum simulation (e.g., product formulas qubitization qDRIFT)
• Quantum algorithms and primitives (e.g., block-encodings LCU QSP QSVT Gibbs sampling quantum linear systems)
• End-to-end fault-tolerant quantum algorithms as applied to detailed use cases
• Demonstrated expertise in Python and Qiskit or similar quantum SDK; working knowledge of C++.
• Experience proposing wining and executing on consultative (paid) contracts government contracting or defense contracting experience a plus
• Experience commercializing end-to-end software utilizing hybrid computing e.g. CPU + GPU + QPU Edge Cloud etc.; knowledge of CI/CD a plus.

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park MD Bothell WA Toronto Canada Gothenburg Sweden) or fully remote in the US Travel: 10% domestic and international Job ID: 1058 The approximate base salary range for this position is $167808 - $219704. The total compensation package includes base salary bonus equity. Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors including market location job-related knowledge skills experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary total compensation includes variable bonus equity component range benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. Details participation benefit plans provided when candidate receives offer employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical dental vision plans matching 401K unlimited PTO paid holidays parental/adoption leave legal insurance home internet stipend pet insurance! IonQ's HQ is located in College Park Maryland just outside Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing production facility Bothell WA near Seattle. Depending on position you may be required near one offices College Park Seattle Toronto Canada Basel Switzerland. However IonQ will expand into additional domestic international geographies so don’t let this stop you from applying! At IonQ we believe fair treatment access opportunity advancement for all while striving identify eliminate barriers. We empower employees thrive fostering culture autonomy productivity respect. Dedicated creating environment individuals feel welcomed respected supported valued. We are committed equity justice welcome different voices viewpoints do not discriminate basis race religion ancestry physical mental disability medical condition genetic information marital status sex gender gender identity gender expression transgender status age sexual orientation military veteran status any other basis protected by law. Proud Equal Employment Opportunity employer. US Technical Jobs: Position requires access technology subject U.S export control government contract restrictions. Employment contingent verifying “U.S Person” status obtaining necessary license confirming availability license exception under U.S export controls. Absence confirming U.S Person status may result not applying license declining license exception access export-controlled technology requiring authorization may disqualify government contracts work requiring U.S Persons decline proceed application on those bases alone. Additional questions regarding immigration status used export control compliance purposes answers reviewed compliance personnel ensure compliance federal law. US Non-Technical Jobs: Due applicable export control laws regulations candidates must be U.S citizen national U.S permanent resident lawfully admitted U.S refugee granted asylum. Additional questions regarding immigration status used export control compliance purposes answers reviewed compliance personnel ensure compliance federal law. If interested part team mission encouraged apply!