Senior Director, Quantum Finance Theory

We are seeking a Senior Director of Quantum Complexity, Algorithms & Cryptography to lead IonQ's global research strategy in quantum information theory, computational complexity, quantum cryptography, and classically intractable quantum simulations.

This role is foundational to IonQ's long-term scientific leadership. You will define theoretical direction, lead high-impact research teams, build academic and government collaborations, publish at top venues, and directly influence next-generation quantum products demonstrating true quantum advantage.

Responsibilities:

• Define and lead IonQ's global research roadmap in quantum complexity theory, cryptography, quantum information, and many-body physics.
• Identify and shape long-horizon opportunities for intractable quantum simulation, post-quantum cryptography, and provable quantum advantage.
• Guide cross-functional teams (hardware, systems, algorithms, applications) to ensure IonQ's platforms support breakthrough complexity-class demonstrations and cryptographic primitives.
• Serve as a senior scientific advisor to IonQ leadership on strategy, publications, and long-term competitive positioning.
• Build and lead a world-class team of quantum finance theorists and research scientists.
• Shape external partnerships with global banks, regulators, government agencies, and industry consortia to co-develop pilot programs demonstrating real-world quantum value.
• Ensure scalability and integration of research outcomes into IonQ's commercial product stack through close collaboration with product management and solutions engineering.
• Influence corporate strategy by providing executive leadership with insights into emerging trends, competitive landscape, and technology readiness in quantum finance and cryptography.
• Guide technical excellence and innovation, setting standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and impact across all teams under your purview.
• Develop and manage budgets and resource allocations for global R&D and partnership initiatives.
• Mentor senior leaders and principal researchers, fostering a high-performance, innovation-driven culture.
• Act as a strong people manager - setting clear expectations, conducting performance reviews, providing continuous feedback, and supporting career development and promotion across your team.
• Represent IonQ as a global thought leader, delivering keynote talks, publishing in top-tier venues, and shaping standards and policy dialogues around quantum computing in finance.

You'd be a good fit with:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or Quantitative Finance Theory.
• 18+ years of research experience in quantum information, complexity theory, cryptography, or mathematical physics.
• Proven record of building and scaling global R&D or engineering organizations in high-technology or research-intensive fields.
• Deep expertise in quantum information theory, algorithm design, high-performance computing, and quantum software systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of financial modeling, stochastic processes, risk management, and optimization frameworks.
• Experience leading large-scale collaborations between academia, government, and industry.
• Strong familiarity with quantum programming frameworks (e.g., IonQ SDK, Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane).
• A recognized publication or patent record in quantum algorithms, computational finance, or applied AI/ML.
• Exceptional executive communication skills - capable of influencing both technical teams and C-suite stakeholders.

You'd be a great fit with:

• Experience leading global partnerships or consortia related to quantum computing or financial innovation.
• Background in commercialization of R&D or technology transfer from research to product.
• Prior involvement with regulatory or policy groups in quantum or financial technology domains.

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US.

Travel: Up to 20%

Job ID: 1222

The approximate base salary range for this position is $247,781 - $324,409. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.