Staff Scientist Fault Tolerant Quantum Algorithms

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 (often all in a single day)!

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 applied to detailed use cases.
• Demonstrated expertise in Python and Qiskit or similar quantum SDK; working knowledge of C++.
• Experience proposing, winning, and executing on consultative (paid) contracts; government contracting or defense contracting experience a plus
• Experience commercializing end-to-end software utilizing hybrid computing e.g. CPU + GPU + QPU, Edge, Cloud, etc. Knowledge of CI/CD a plus.

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: 10% domestic and international
Job ID: 1058

The approximate base salary range for this position is $167,808 - $219,704. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.