Location: This role is based onsite at our headquarters in College Park, MD.
Travel: 10% domestic and internationalJob ID: 1490

The Role:

We are looking for a Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications 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 - Quantum Applications, you will be part of the new Quantum Applications team based in College Park, Maryland , you will be a key link to the University of Maryland ecosystem, serving as a bridge to collaborate with world-class faculty and researchers both at UMD and at institutions globally.

You will operate at the intersection of two frontiers: pushing the boundaries of cutting-edge academic research on latest quantum hardwares and developing the next generation of quantum algorithms poised to solve real-world problems better than state-of-the-art classical methods. You will play a key role in developing 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:

• Practical Algorithm Innovation: Lead the hands-on development of Fault-Tolerant Application-Scale Quantum (FASQ) algorithms designed to scale for real-world impact. You will emphasize "hardware-aware" FASQ, ensuring research is rooted in the constraints of practical early fault-tolerant systems to drive scientific and commercial breakthroughs.
• Full-Stack & Hardware-Centric Optimization: Work directly with quantum compiler, cloud, and hardware engineering teams to build highly optimized hybrid workflows specifically tuned for IonQ's trapped-ion architecture. Your goal is to make the best use of available quantum hardware for proof-of-principle demonstrations and experiments, moving beyond abstract error correction theory.
• Rigorous Algorithm Analysis: Conduct deep technical evaluations comparing quantum algorithms of interest against relevant state-of-the-art classical algorithms. You will identify the specific performance characteristics and scaling behaviors that define the boundary between classical and quantum capabilities.
• Academic Strategy & Advocacy: Act as a primary advocate for IonQ's academic presence by actively engaging with the UMD faculties. You will guide, propose, and initiate impactful academic research projects that carry significant industrial weight and commercial potential.
• IP & External Influence: Build a robust portfolio of foundational IP and high-impact-factor, peer-reviewed publications. You will represent IonQ's technical vision at major conferences and in high-level discussions with external stakeholders, emphasizing our path to practical, application-scale quantum advantage.

Requirements:

• Advanced Academic & Professional Background: Doctorate degree in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, or another STEM domain, or equivalent work experience plus 3+ years of professional work experience in the quantum computing field.
• FASQ & Hardware Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in Fault-Tolerant Application-Scale Quantum (FASQ) algorithms designed for scalability and practical implementation. You possess a deep familiarity with the operation and physical principles of trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Error Mitigation & Compilation: Proficient in common error mitigation techniques and advanced quantum compilation strategies specifically tuned for hardware-level performance.
• Proven Research Track Record: Hands-on experience developing novel algorithms for research, supported by a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and contributions to production-grade codebases.
• Multilevel Communication: The ability to translate complex technical concepts across all levels, from the academic research community to business stakeholders and PhD-level peers.
• Technical Stack & Workflow Proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency in Python, Qiskit (or similar quantum SDKs), and High-Performance Computing (HPC) tools-including parallel computing and utilizing computer clusters. You are also proficient in the responsible use of AI tools to accelerate development, documentation, and research while maintaining strict technical accuracy and security standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Extended Professional Leadership: 5+ years of professional work experience developing end-to-end solutions for realistic industry problems.
• Proven Practical Impact: Demonstrated experience with applying commercial tools to solve problem sets of practical relevance.
• FASQ Community Recognition: Active participant and recognized contributor in the Fault-Tolerant Application-Scale Quantum (FASQ) algorithm community, including the development of foundational tools such as libraries, simulators, or compilers.
• High-Value Intellectual Property: An active portfolio consisting of invited talks, software repositories, licenses, and/or patents that demonstrate a respected "voice" in the global quantum ecosystem.
• Collaborative Solution Delivery: Success working directly with internal and external partners to define and deliver technical solutions.
• Advanced Communication: Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between deep academic research and commercial industrial impact.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $167,808 - $219,704. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

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!