Staff Scientist, Quantum Applications

About IonQ: 

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services,andAstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance.

Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.  

We’re looking for a Staff Scientist in Quantum Applications who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ, with a mission to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions on the world’s most powerful trapped-ion quantum computers to solve some of the most complex and impactful problems. This role is central to IonQ’s mission to translate quantum computing advances into real-world scientific and commercial impact. You will develop end-to-end quantum applications that drive scientific advancement, collaborate with customers and community partners, and support a new landmark initiative with the University of Chicago.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop, implement, and optimize novel quantum algorithms, applications, and end-to-end workflows that will make scientific and commercial impact in areas such as computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning
• Work with customers and partners to define and solve problems of real- world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers
• Discover innovative solutions, rigorously benchmark their performance, and publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and conferences
• Help shape team culture and create a lasting impact by supporting an initiative that delivers new scientific discoveries and innovation

You’d be a good fit with:

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or similar STEM domain
• 6+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated expertise in Python and/or C++, and experience with Qiskit or similar quantum SDKs
• Hands-on expertise developing or optimizing quantum algorithms in areas such as computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning
• Track record of delivering innovative quantum solutions demonstrated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, invited talks, open-source repositories, licenses, publications, and/or patents
• Strong foundation in key quantum computing concepts and the ability to articulate deeply technical ideas to diverse audiences, ranging from scientists and engineers to business leaders and community stakeholders
• Experience being part of a team that finds, defines, and solves problems of real-world interest, with strong collaboration skills and clear technical communication

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience contributing to customer-facing or partner-facing technical engagements, from problem definition through solution delivery
• Experience with variational quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical workloads spanning CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs
• Experience developing hybrid quantum algorithms for NISQ-era systems as well as early fault-tolerant quantum computers
• Demonstrated experience with quantum algorithm resource estimation, performance benchmarking, and scaling analysis
• Proven success working with customers to define and deliver solutions

Location: Remote, US

Travel: 10% domestic and international travel supporting customer engagements and technical conference participation

Job ID:   1313

The approximate base salary range for this position is $160,000 - $200,000. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. 

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs.  The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions.  Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.  Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone.  Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.  

US Non-Technical Jobs.  Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!