Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications

Job Description

Job Title: Staff Scientist – Quantum Applications. Location: College Park, Maryland, USA

Job Type: Full-Time (Research / Senior Scientist)
(On-site, Travel ~10% domestic and international)

Responsibilities:

• Lead development of fault-tolerant and application-scale quantum algorithms designed for real-world use cases.
• Design hardware-aware algorithms optimized for trapped-ion quantum architectures.
• Work closely with compiler, cloud, and hardware engineering teams to build optimized hybrid quantum-classical workflows.
• Evaluate quantum algorithms against classical state-of-the-art methods to identify performance boundaries.
• Conduct deep technical analysis of scaling behavior and computational advantages;
• Contribute to long-term research strategy and roadmap development for quantum applications.
• Collaborate with academic partners, especially within the University of Maryland ecosystem.
• Initiate and lead high-impact research projects with industrial and commercial relevance.
• Build intellectual property through research contributions and peer-reviewed publications.
• Represent the organization at academic conferences and technical forums;
• Engage with internal teams across product, engineering, and customer groups to develop new quantum solutions.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in quantum research or related advanced scientific work.
• Strong track record in quantum algorithm development (NISQ, FTQC, or FASQ frameworks);
• Proven history of peer-reviewed publications or production-grade quantum software contributions.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Experience with quantum SDKs such as Qiskit or similar frameworks.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing environments.

Preferred:

• Strong understanding of trapped-ion quantum computing systems.
• Experience working directly with quantum hardware teams.
• Knowledge of hardware-aware optimization techniques for quantum algorithms.
• Experience in error mitigation and advanced compilation strategies;
• Strong ability to translate theoretical quantum research into practical applications.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary range: $167,808 – $219,704 annually.
• Additional compensation includes bonuses and equity opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Matching 401(k) retirement plan;
• Unlimited paid time off and paid holidays.
• Parental and adoption leave benefits.
• Legal insurance and home technology stipend.