Senior Atomic Physicist

IonQ•Boston, MA

1d•$126,887 - $166,127

About The Position

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 Senior Physicist for optical signal chain development. As a Senior Physicist, you’ll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex problems. In this role, you will do pioneering work on optical signal chains for long-range quantum networks and modular quantum computing. You will work with a world-class team of scientists and engineers to build systems that can rapidly process and store quantum information from photons and apply those systems to building scalable quantum computing systems. Your work will stretch from pioneering systems to operationalizing and scaling optical signal chains that will be the backbone of the world’s largest quantum computers.

Requirements

PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering
Work in quantum optics and quantum computing (ideally previous work with single photons)
Experience designing and testing complex opto-mechanical and opto-electronical setups (including using acousto-optical and electro-optical modulators for intensity and frequency feedback loops)
Experience in developing automated routines (hardware & software) that calibrate and maintain setups autonomously

Nice To Haves

Experience in optically-mediated entanglement protocols between qubits
Experience in quantum frequency conversion
Experience in writing software for lab environments (preferred language: Python)

Responsibilities

Evaluate how pieces of the optical signal chain can be hardened for autonomous operation and production
Investigate the feasibility in prototype experiments and develop routines that calibrate and maintain the optical setup.
Benchmarking different variations of the signal chain against each other by comparing signal losses (impacting the rate) with stability (possibly impacting both rate and fidelity) and scalability
Coordinate with other teams internally at IonQ and/or with external vendors to develop subcomponents.