Research Scientist - Fault Tolerant Quantum Algorithms

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Research Scientist - Fault Tolerant Quantum Algorithms. Location: Bothell, WA, USA
Additional Locations: College Park, MD; Toronto, Canada; Gothenburg, Sweden; or fully remote in the US

Responsibilities:

• Develop fault-tolerant quantum solutions with potential applications across multiple industry sectors.
• Work with clients and partners to identify, define, and solve real-world problems using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Compare fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC), NISQ, and classical HPC algorithms using appropriate performance metrics and tools.
• Analyze scaling behavior, trade-offs, current state of the art, and crossover points between quantum and classical approaches.
• Develop foundational intellectual property and publish research in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Develop tools such as quantum algorithm libraries, simulators, and compilers;
• Contribute to metrics and methodologies for costing, resource estimation, and ROI analysis.
• Contribute to standards and broader development of the fault-tolerant quantum computing community.
• Optimize quantum algorithm performance for accuracy and time-to-solution through theoretical and engineering approaches.
• Develop implementation libraries, computational resource models, long-term roadmaps, and end-to-end workflows.
• Work directly with customers to define and deliver quantum solutions;
• Represent IonQ at technical conferences and communicate research findings to technical audiences.
• Collaborate with cross-functional internal teams and external partners.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Documented expertise in fault-tolerant quantum computing algorithms with a focus on potential large-scale applications.
• Ability to contribute to the FTQC community through tools, metrics, standards, or related work.
• Strong dedication to optimizing algorithm performance, including accuracy and time-to-solution;
• Demonstrated expertise in fault-tolerant quantum computing through publications, patents, invited talks, repositories, licenses, or similar work.
• Experience working as part of a team to identify and solve real-world technical problems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred:

• Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Experience supporting and executing government contracts.
• Experience with C++, Python, Qiskit, or a similar quantum SDK.
• Experience benchmarking quantum algorithms using multiple performance metrics.
• Experience working directly with customers to define and deliver solutions.
• Experience developing hybrid end-to-end solutions in production or cloud environments.
• Knowledge of CI/CD practices.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Approximate base salary: $145,920-$191,047 per year.
• Total compensation may include base salary, bonus, equity, and benefits.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching;
• Unlimited paid time off and paid holidays.
• Parental and adoption leave.
• Legal insurance.
• Home technology stipend.

Work Arrangement and Travel:

• Onsite or hybrid at IonQ offices in College Park, MD; Bothell, WA; Toronto, Canada; or Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Fully remote option available within the US.
• Travel up to 10%, domestic or international.
• Job ID: 1683.

Other Information:

• This position involves technology subject to US export control and government contract restrictions.
• For certain technical work, employment may require verification of US Person status, obtaining an applicable license, or confirming a license exception.
• Candidates may be asked additional immigration-status questions for export-control and compliance purposes;
• IonQ conducts pre-employment background and risk screening, subject to applicable law.