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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’re looking for a Senior Scientist in Quantum Applications who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ, with a mission to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions on the world’s most powerful trapped-ion quantum computers to solve some of the most complex and impactful problems. You will be working closely with collaborators, customers, and community partners across the Midwest to develop end-to-end quantum applications that drive scientific advancement, commercial value, and long-term growth of the regional quantum ecosystem.

Responsibilities:

Develop, implement, and optimize novel quantum algorithms, applications, and end-to-end workflows that will make scientific and commercial impact in areas such as computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning
Work with customers and partners across Chicago and the Midwest to define and solve problems of real-world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers
Discover innovative solutions, rigorously benchmark their performance, and publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and conferences
As a founding member of the new IonQ site located in Chicago, help shape the team culture and create a lasting impact on the local quantum ecosystem

You’d be a good fit with:

6+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated expertise in Python and/or C++, and experience with Qiskit or similar quantum SDKs
Hands-on expertise developing or optimizing quantum algorithms in areas such as computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning
Track record of delivering innovative quantum solutions demonstrated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, invited talks, open-source repositories, licenses, publications, and/or patents
Strong foundation in key quantum computing concepts and the ability to articulate deeply technical ideas to diverse audiences, ranging from scientists and engineers to business leaders and community stakeholders
Experience being part of a team that finds, defines, and solves problems of real-world interest, with strong collaboration skills and clear technical communication

You’d be a great fit with:

Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics, or a closely related field
Demonstrated experience contributing to customer-facing or partner-facing technical engagements, from problem definition through solution delivery
Experience with variational quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical workloads spanning CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs
Experience developing hybrid quantum algorithms for NISQ-era systems as well as early fault-tolerant quantum computers
Demonstrated experience with quantum algorithm resource estimation, performance benchmarking, and scaling analysis
Proven success working with customers to define and deliver solutions

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 travel supporting customer engagements and technical conference participation
Job ID: 1313

The approximate base salary range for this position is $145,920- $191,047. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!

IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!
At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.
We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!