Senior Microarchitecture Researcher

IonQ•Bothell, WA

8d•$188,000 - $282,000

About The Position

IonQ is seeking a Microarchitecture (uArch) Researcher to join a cross-functional team working to build advanced quantum computers. The role focuses on the physical implementation, design, and layout of fault-tolerant architectures for ion trap quantum processors. The researcher will implement, tailor, simulate, and design large-scale chip architectures that support fault-tolerant quantum computation, contributing to the physical and logical architecture of future quantum chips. The role involves translating quantum error correction protocols from theory into physical layouts on ion trap processors and developing simulation tools to evaluate those layouts under realistic noise. The researcher will collaborate with trap designers, AMO physicists, QEC researchers, and colleagues across research disciplines, and share results through papers and other technical writing.

Requirements

Four years of research experience in quantum computing or chip architecture.
A degree in quantum computing, physics, engineering, chemistry, or a related field.
Strong expertise in one or more of AMO theory, QEC theory, QCVV theory, or classical VLSI theory.
Ability to apply relevant expertise to the architecture of real quantum hardware.

Nice To Haves

Strong expertise with quantum simulation techniques at the physical, gate, circuit, and QEC levels.
Experience with classical chip architecture and an interest in quantum chip architecture.
Experience with quantum error correction, logical operations, and decoders.
Ability to communicate with audiences ranging from the research community and business stakeholders to PhD-level colleagues.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the physical implementation of quantum error correction protocols on ion trap processors.
Contribute to a library of simulation tools that analyze logical performance under realistic physical noise models.
Collaborate with trap designers, AMO physicists, QEC researchers, and colleagues from a broad range of research backgrounds.
Contribute to research papers and other technical writing.