Senior Scientist, Quantum Applications
AI summary of the role
IonQ seeks a Senior Scientist in Quantum Applications to develop end-to-end quantum algorithms and workflows on trapped-ion quantum computers, focusing on computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning.
What you’ll do
- Develop, implement, and optimize novel quantum algorithms, applications, and end-to-end workflows for scientific and commercial impact in computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning
- Work with customers and partners to define and solve real-world problems using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers
- Discover innovative solutions, rigorously benchmark performance, and publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and conferences
- Help shape team culture and support an initiative delivering new scientific discoveries and innovation
What you’ll bring
- 6+ years of professional experience or 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 computational chemistry, optimization, or machine learning
- Track record of delivering innovative quantum solutions through peer-reviewed manuscripts, invited talks, open-source repositories, licenses, publications, or patents
Technologies
Python · C++ · Qiskit · trapped-ion quantum computers · variational quantum algorithms · hybrid quantum-classical workloads · NISQ · fault-tolerant quantum computers · quantum algorithm resource estimation
About IonQ
Builds trapped-ion quantum computers plus quantum networking, sensing, and security infrastructure for enterprise, research, and government customers.
Public · 1000–2000 people
Source and classification
Internal deployment & tooling · Evidence for this classification:
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 Senior 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,
More from the job description
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. We’re looking for a Senior 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 a [... source excerpt omitted ...] e 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, r [... source excerpt omitted ...] hnical 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
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