Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Algorithms

Job Description

Job Title: Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms. Location: Remote (US) or hybrid from College Park, MD or Bothell, WA. Travel: Up to 10% domestic and international

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and implementation of fault-tolerant quantum algorithms with applications across medicine, chemistry, AI, and cybersecurity.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to identify high-impact use cases for IonQ’s trapped-ion systems.
• Perform deep comparative analysis between FTQC, NISQ, and classical algorithms to assess scaling behavior and performance trade-offs.
• Create and present benchmarking metrics and models to guide technical and business decisions;
• Produce foundational intellectual property and publish in top-tier peer-reviewed journals;
• Represent IonQ at industry conferences, workshops, and with clients and partners.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related field, with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven expertise in fault-tolerant quantum computing algorithms, including resource estimation and performance benchmarking.
• Strong command of Python and quantum SDKs like Qiskit; working knowledge of C++;
• History of impactful research or product development, with published work, tools, or patents.
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred:

• Experience developing end-to-end hybrid quantum-classical software solutions.
• Background in working on consulting or government contracts;
• Familiarity with cloud infrastructure, CI/CD tools, and real-world quantum deployment environments.

Benefits:

• Base salary: $141,670 – $185,482 depending on experience and location.
• Equity and performance-based bonus;
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401K match, unlimited PTO, paid holidays, parental leave, and legal/pet insurance.
• Home internet stipend for remote employees.

Additional Information:

• This role requires eligibility to work with technology subject to U.S. export control laws.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, or have refugee/asylum status.