Senior Research Scientist - Fault Tolerant Quantum Algorithms

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, and AstraZeneca 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.

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

Travel: Up to 10%, domestic or international.

Job ID: 1683

The Role:

We are looking for a Senior Research Scientist- Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms to join a cross-functional team that uses IonQ's quantum computers to create highly differentiated quantum solutions that will bring value to society. As a Senior Research Scientist- Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms, you'll be part of a multi-generational journey to solve the world's most complex problems using the world's best quantum computers built at IonQ.

As a deep technical expert on fault-tolerant algorithms, you will help develop next generation quantum algorithms that are poised to exceed state-of-the-art classical methods. You will develop core IP, computational resource models, implementation libraries, long-term roadmaps, and end-to-end workflows that have the potential to disrupt the field of computing. You will also work closely with internal and external customers/partners to brainstorm new ideas, contribute to multi-year initiatives, and represent IonQ at high-visibility technical conferences (often all in a single day)!

Responsibilities:

• Develop fault-tolerant quantum solutions that can make a large scientific and commercial impact across a wide range of industry verticals
• Be part of a client-facing team that finds, defines, and solves problems of real-world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers
• Contribute technical expertise toward comparisons of FTQC algorithms vs NISQ algorithms vs classical HPC algorithms. Contribute knowledge of metrics and tools (classical and quantum) to evaluate and communicate pros/cons, current state-of-the-art, scaling behavior, trade offs, cross-over points, etc.
• Discover foundational IP and publish results in high-impact-factor peer-reviewed journals and conferences

You'd be a good fit with:

• 2+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Documented expertise in FTQC algorithms with line-of-sight to end-customer value i.e. millions of qubits, billions of gates
• Ability to contribute to the FTQC algorithm community, including the development of tools (libraries, simulators, compilers), metrics (costing, resource estimation, ROI) and community (economic development, standards).
• Relentless dedication to optimizing algorithm performance (accuracy, time-to-solution) through elegant theoretical equations, as well as engineering optimization and implementation
• Proven track record of domain expertise in fault-tolerant quantum computing, demonstrated through invited talks, repos, licenses, publications, and/or patents
• Experience being part of a team that finds, defines, and solves problems of real-world interest. Good team player with excellent communication skills.

You'd be a great fit with:

• Ph.D. in computer science, math, engineering, physics, or related fields
• Experience supporting writing and executing on government contracts
• Demonstrated expertise in C++, Python, Qiskit or similar quantum SDK
• Demonstrated experience benchmarking quantum algorithms using varied metrics
• Success working directly with customers to define and deliver solutions
• Experience developing hybrid end-to-end solutions in a production or cloud environment; knowledge of CI/CD a plus

The approximate base salary range for this position is $145,920 - $191,047. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

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!