Researcher, Quantum Finance

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Researcher, Quantum Finance Engineering. Location: Remote, United States (with optional locations College Park MD or Bothell WA)

This role focuses on leading the design and development of quantum algorithms and applications specifically for financial use cases.

Responsibilities:

• Lead research and development on quantum algorithms for finance, including portfolio optimization, option pricing, risk modeling, fraud detection, and derivative valuation.
• Work across quantum information theory, high performance computing, circuit optimization, error correction, and quantum software engineering to build algorithms that can run on current and future quantum hardware;
• Translate financial problem statements into quantum-ready algorithmic frameworks suitable for NISQ devices and future fault tolerant systems.
• Collaborate with internal hardware, software, and research teams to explore financial problems where quantum advantage is emerging.
• Work with banks, hedge funds, and asset managers to design and execute pilot projects;
• Publish and present research results at top academic and industry venues.
• Contribute to IonQ’s broader algorithmic and application roadmap.
• Engage with customers, academic groups, and partners to support research and commercial development efforts.
• Support product and business teams in converting research into scalable commercial solutions;
• Travel up to twenty percent for customer engagements, presentations, and partnership activities.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Quantitative Finance, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in quantitative research, algorithm design, or computational finance, including leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge in quantum computing, error correction, circuit compilation, high performance computing, and quantum software engineering.
• Experience with quantum algorithms, optimization, or machine learning;
• Familiarity with quantum programming frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, IonQ SDK, or PennyLane.
• Strong understanding of financial modeling, including stochastic calculus and numerical methods;
• Proven track record of publishing or deploying solutions in finance, operations research, or applied quantum computing.
• Strong communication skills for both technical and executive audiences.

Preferred:

• Experience in quantitative research in banking, asset management, or hedge funds.
• Knowledge of typical financial use cases such as pricing, risk, and optimization.

Compensation:

The base salary range is one hundred twenty three thousand one hundred ninety one dollars to one hundred sixty one thousand two hundred eighty nine dollars; Total compensation includes base salary, bonus, and equity; Compensation may vary based on location, experience, and market conditions.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Matching 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO and paid holidays
• Parental and adoption leave
• Legal insurance
• Home internet stipend
• Pet insurance
  

Work Location: This role can be fully remote in the United States or hybrid from the College Park MD or Bothell WA offices; Some roles may require being near offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, or Basel.

Additional Notes:

Because the position may involve access to technology governed by U.S. export control laws, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements; Candidates will be asked additional questions regarding citizenship or residency status to support compliance review.