Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications - Chicago

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 in Quantum Applications to provide technical leadership and hands-on execution across complex, multi-stakeholder quantum application efforts in developing next-generation quantum algorithms and applications on IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum computers. This role is central to IonQ’s mission to translate quantum computing advances into real-world scientific and commercial impact. You will be a quantum algorithms subject matter expert, work closely with internal teams, customers, and partners, drive high-impact applications, and support a new landmark initiative with the University of Chicago.

• →Provide technical direction and architectural guidance across multiple quantum application efforts, including establishing best practices for benchmarking, performance analysis, and solution design
• →Develop, implement, and optimize novel quantum algorithms that will make scientific and commercial impact in areas such as computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning
• →Work with customers and partners 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
• →Help shape team culture and create a lasting impact by supporting an initiative that delivers new scientific discoveries and innovation
  
  

• 8+ years of professional experience in quantum computing, applied algorithms, or advanced scientific computing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated expertise in Python and/or C++, and deep, hands-on experience with Qiskit or similar quantum SDKs
• Hands-on experience developing and 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
• Deep understanding of 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
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts from problem definition to solution delivery, with strong collaboration and communication skills
  
  

• Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics, or a closely related field
• Experience with end-to-end ownership of complex quantum application efforts, including the ability to mentor interns and provide technical guidance to junior team members
• Experience with variational quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical workloads spanning CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs
• Experience with developing high-performing algorithms optimized for NISQ systems as well as error-corrected and fault-tolerant quantum computers
• Demonstrated experience with quantum algorithm resource estimation, performance benchmarking, and scaling analysis
• Prior success working with customers, industry partners, or government sponsors to deliver advanced technical solutions
  
  

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