Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms

Locations: Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland; 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.

Qualifications

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; demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results clearly.

You’d be a great fit with:

• 5+ years 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 (product formulas,

br> qubitization,qDRIFT), quantum algorithms/primitives (block-encodings LCUs QSP QSVT Gibbs sampling quantum linear systems), end-to-end fault-tolerant quantum algorithms applied to detailed use cases

• Demonstrated expertise in Python and Qiskit or similar quantum SDK; working knowledge of C++
• Experience proposing/winning/executing consultative (paid) contracts; government 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) or fully remote in the US.

Travel:

10% domestic and international

Compensation:

The approximate base salary range for this position is $162920 - $213304. The total compensation package includes base salary plus bonus and equity. Compensation varies depending on multiple individualized factors including market location job-related knowledge skills experience. Posted base salary figures subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary total compensation includes variable bonus equity component range of benefit options found on career site ionq.co/jobs. US benefits include comprehensive medical dental vision plans matching 401K unlimited PTO paid holidays parental/adoption leave legal insurance home internet stipend pet insurance.

Additional Information:

IonQ's HQ is located in College Park Maryland just outside Washington DC. Manufacturing/production facility recently opened in Bothell WA near Seattle. Depending on position may require proximity near offices in College Park Seattle Toronto Canada Basel Switzerland. IonQ plans expansion into additional domestic/international geographies. IonQ believes in fair treatment access opportunity advancement for all while striving to eliminate barriers fostering culture autonomy productivity respect. Committed to equity justice welcoming different voices viewpoints no discrimination based on race religion ancestry disability medical condition genetic info marital status sex gender identity expression transgender status age sexual orientation military veteran status or any other protected basis by law. Proud Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs Export Control Notice:

Position requires access to technology subject to U.S. export control/government contract restrictions. Employment contingent on verifying “U.S. Person” status or obtaining necessary license/confirming license exception under U.S. export controls. Additional questions regarding immigration status used for export control compliance reviewed by compliance personnel per federal law.

US Non-Technical Jobs Export Control Notice:

Candidates must be U.S citizen/national permanent resident or lawfully admitted refugee/asylum status per export control laws/regulations. Additional immigration questions reviewed by compliance personnel per federal law. If interested please apply!