Scientist, Quantum Algorithms and Applications

Job Description

Job Title: Staff Scientist, Quantum Algorithms and Applications. Location: Bothell, Washington, USA

Responsibilities:

• Lead scientific projects applying quantum algorithms to condensed matter and high energy physics problems.
• Design and implement quantum algorithms, error mitigation methods, and Quantum Error Detection (QED) techniques for near-term IonQ trapped-ion hardware.
• Work with condensed matter models including Heisenberg models for strongly correlated magnetic systems and Fermi-Hubbard models for high-temperature superconductivity;
• Apply quantum computing methods to high energy physics problems, including lattice QCD and lattice gauge theory.
• Research fault-tolerant algorithms including block encoding methods, Quantum Singular Value Transformation (QSVT), and Quantum Phase Estimation (QPE).
• Perform codesign and resource estimation of fault-tolerant algorithms with compiler and quantum error correction teams.
• Combine classical simulation, high-performance computing (HPC), and quantum methods into integrated workflows.
• Map physics problems onto quantum-native formulations;
• Collaborate with fault-tolerant algorithms researchers, quantum chemistry teams, and software engineers.
• Contribute to scientific publications and external technical representation.
• Work independently toward agreed scientific and technical goals.
• Help develop approaches for applying quantum computing to real scientific problems as IonQ moves toward fault-tolerant applications.

Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Postdoctoral or industry experience with a track record of independently advancing research.
• Practical experience implementing quantum algorithms on near-term quantum hardware.
• Experience using error mitigation and error detection techniques to improve hardware fidelity or achievable circuit depth.
• Experience applying quantum algorithms to scientific problems;
• Experience with fault-tolerant methods such as Quantum Phase Estimation, Hamiltonian simulation, or Quantum Singular Value Transformation.
• Understanding of how quantum algorithms can be applied to condensed matter and high energy physics problems.
• Deep expertise in condensed matter or high energy physics, including areas such as magnetic systems, strongly correlated materials, superconductivity, spin dynamics, Fermi-Hubbard models, lattice gauge theory, or related fields.
• Experience with classical simulation methods and HPC workloads.
• Scientific programming experience in Python and C++ sufficient to integrate tools, run computations, and maintain a codebase under version control.

Preferred:

• Experience with scientific packages such as QuantumATK, Quantum Espresso, or VASP.
• Peer-reviewed publication record.
• Client or partner-facing technical delivery experience.
• Active participation in the fault-tolerant quantum computing community through tools, metrics, talks, repositories, or patents.
• Familiarity with agentic AI tools such as OpenAI Codex or Anthropic Claude Code.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary range: $174,520 to $250,253 USD.
• Total compensation includes 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.
• Compensation may vary based on education, qualifications, experience, location, and internal compensation considerations.

Other Information:

• Hybrid work model based at IonQ's Bothell, Washington office.
• Travel: up to 5%.
• Job ID: 1757.
• The position involves access to technology subject to U.S. export-control and government-contract restrictions.
• Certain work may require U.S. Person status, an applicable license, or a license exception under U.S. export-control requirements.
• IonQ conducts pre-employment background and risk screening, subject to applicable law;
• IonQ is an equal opportunity employer.
• Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates.