Staff Scientist – Quantum Applications

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.  

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)!

• →Advanced Academic & Professional Background: Doctorate degree in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, or another STEM domain, 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. 

• 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.
• Proficient in the responsible use of AI tools to accelerate development, documentation, and research while maintaining strict technical accuracy and security standards.

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.

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