Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms

Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more.

IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution.

We are looking for a Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms to lead the technical development in utilizing IonQ’s quantum computers to create highly differentiated quantum solutions that will bring value to society. As a Staff Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms
, you’ll be a core member of a cross-functional team whose mandate is central to IonQ’s mission to solve the world’s most complex problems using the world’s best quantum computers.

As a hands‑on expert in fault‑tolerant algorithms, you will help discover the next generation of quantum applications that are poised to deliver results exceeding state‑of‑the‑art classical methods. You will play a key role in developing quantum algorithms, core IP, computational resource models, long‑term roadmaps, and end‑to‑end workflows that have the potential to disrupt the field of computing. You will also work closely with product, engineering, marketing, sales, operations, and external customers/partners to brainstorm new ideas, propose complex, multi‑year initiatives and represent IonQ at high‑visibility technical conferences.

Responsibilities:

• Lead hands‑on development of novel fault‑tolerant quantum algorithms that will make a large scientific and commercial impact across a wide range of industry verticals.
• Perform detailed resource analyses of quantum algorithms and perform SWOT analysis of FTQC approaches as compared to NISQ and/or classical methods.
• Provide trusted expertise in FTQC algorithms and communicate the current state‑of‑the‑art, scaling behaviors, trade‑offs, cross‑over points, etc. to stakeholders across the company.
• Drive constructive technical interactions across multi‑disciplinary teams to identify, define and solve challenging real‑world problems using IonQ trapped‑ion quantum computers.
• Develop and drive adoption of industry‑leading benchmarking and resource estimation methodologies, metrics, and tools.
• Develop portfolio of foundational IP and high‑impact‑factor peer‑reviewed publications; represent IonQ externally with customer/clients and at conferences.

You’d be a good fit with:

• PhD in physics, mathematics, computer science, or similar field, or comparable field or equivalent work experience + 3 years of professional experience in the quantum computing field
• Demonstrated expertise in FTQC algorithms that can scale to millions of qubits, billions of gates with line‑of‑sight to end‑customer value: active portfolio of invited talks, repos, licenses, publications and/or patents
• Active participant in the FTQC algorithm community via, e.g., development of tools (libraries, simulators, compiler), metrics (costing, resource estimation, ROI), and/or community (economic development, standards)
• Relentless dedication to optimizing algorithmic performance (accuracy, time‑to‑solution) through elegant theoretical equations, as well as engineering optimization
• Mastery of key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing and quantum algorithm development, and a demonstrated ability to communicate scientific results clearly.

You’d be a great fit with:

• 5+ years of professional work experience developing end‑to‑end solutions for realistic industry problems such as computer‑aided engineering, cybersecurity, chemistry, etc.
• Experience working with quantum algorithms for relevant use cases. This could include quantum simulation (e.g., product formulas, qubitization, qDRIFT, etc.), quantum algorithms and primitives (e.g., block‑encodings, LCU, QSP, QSVT, Gibbs sampling, quantum linear systems, etc.), and/or end‑to‑end fault‑tolerant quantum algorithms as…