Lead Physicist - Ion Generation

Job Description

Position: Lead Physicist – Ion Generation. Location: College Park, Maryland, USA. Type: Full-time | Hybrid/ On-site (min. 4 days/week)

Responsibilities:

• Design and perform experiments to characterize the ablation performance of new Barium targets.
• Collaborate with external materials science partners to advance ion source materials.
• Work closely with the ion trap and packaging teams to improve opto-mechanical components used in ablation and ionization systems.
• Propose and execute strategies to scale up rapid ion chain loading to support hundreds of qubits.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Optics, or related discipline with deep expertise in experimental atomic physics.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with laser-cooled neutral atom or ion experiments;
• Proficiency in one or more of the following: laser ablation, photoionization, atomic beams, ion trapping, or cryogenics.
• Strong technical communication skills and experience documenting experimental work.

Preferred:

• Practical experience with surface-electrode ion traps and precision measurements.
• Deep understanding of laser ablation techniques for atom/molecule vaporization.
• Background in chemistry, metallurgy, or materials science;
• Engineering/system design experience in transitioning research systems into scalable technologies.
• History of working in interdisciplinary teams (mechanical, optical, electrical, software);
• 3+ years of postdoctoral or industry research experience.

Benefits:

• Base Salary: $107,123 – $140,251 (dependent on experience and market factors)
• Additional Compensation: Bonus + Equity
• Benefits Include:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Matching 401(k)
  • Unlimited paid time off & holidays
  • Parental and adoption leave;
  • Legal and pet insurance;
  • Home internet stipend

Note: While this role is based in College Park, Maryland, IonQ is growing in other locations including Seattle, WA and Toronto, Canada. Depending on the role, you may be required to work near one of these sites.