Staff Quantum Applications Scientist - Life Sciences

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 Quantum Applications Scientist - Life Sciences who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ whose mission is to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions in life sciences on the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex and impactful problems. This role is open as part of IonQ’s Quantum Applications team based in either Gothenburg, Sweden or Toronto, Canada. You will work closely with partners within the life sciences innovation ecosystem and beyond to create new hybrid quantum applications with significant commercial impact.

Responsibilities: 

• Originate and lead development of impactful hybrid quantum applications, algorithms and solutions in the life sciences domain that promise commercial advantages in practice and at scale.
• Collaborate with quantum compiler, cloud and hardware engineering teams to develop highly optimized hybrid workflows for trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Contribute knowledge of classical and quantum domain-specific algorithms and tools to evaluate and communicate pros and cons, current state-of-the-art, scaling behavior, trade offs, cross-over points, etc.
• Lead constructive technical interactions with client teams to find, define, and solve problems of real-world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Represent the team in client and stakeholder presentations, develop presentation content and appropriately adapt it to the audience.
• Build reusable software platforms to grow IonQ’s user base. Integrate first of a kind quantum algorithms into larger end-to-end workflows.

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Doctorate degree in the life sciences domain, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 3 years of professional experience using and developing computational and ML/AI tools in bioinformatics, molecular biology, development of advanced therapeutics, including a track record of peer-reviewed manuscripts and contributions to code bases.
• At least 3 years of professional experience developing, applying, validating quantum computing algorithms and solutions in the life sciences domain, including prototyping solutions using Python and quantum SDKs like Qiskit, PennyLane, Cirq.
• Desire to work closely with customers including aligning with time zones and work schedules. Potential for international travel and/or onsite co-location.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Expertise in key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing - linear algebra, matrix decompositions, probability theory, symmetry, computational complexity.
• Success working directly with clients to define and deliver solutions; excellent collaboration and communication skills.

Location: Onsite and/or hybrid from our office in Gothenburg, Sweden or Toronto, Canada

Travel: 10% domestic and international, with a focus on visiting customers and clients

Job ID: 1361

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!