Staff Scientist - Materials Science

IonQ•Bothell, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

IonQ, Inc. is seeking a Staff Scientist, Materials Science to join the newly formed Computational Sciences team within Applications R&D. This group focuses on general physics problems in condensed matter and high energy physics, alongside combinatorial optimization. The role involves bringing dedicated condensed matter and high energy physics expertise to the team, working on problems that currently rely on a virtual team from across the organization. The work is situated at the intersection of traditional classical simulation and fault-tolerant quantum computing, requiring judgment on the appropriate use of each approach. The scientist will work independently towards goals and help shape how IonQ addresses real scientific challenges as the company advances towards fault-tolerant applications.

Requirements

Genuine subject matter depth in condensed matter or high energy physics.
Working understanding of how fault-tolerant quantum algorithms are used to solve real problems.
Comfortable working across classical simulation and quantum methods.
Proficiency in scientific programming to integrate tools, run computations, and maintain a code base.
A doctorate in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related field.
Postdoctoral or industry experience.
A track record of carrying research forward independently.
Deep expertise in condensed matter or high energy physics: magnetic systems, strongly correlated materials, superconductivity, spin dynamics, Fermi-Hubbard models, lattice gauge theory or related areas.
Experience with classical simulation methods and HPC workloads for these problems, ideally including packages such as QuantumATK, QuantumEspresso or VASP.
Understanding of how to integrate classical and quantum approaches.
Familiarity with fault-tolerant quantum algorithms and their applications.
Scientific programming in Python and C++ sufficient to integrate tools, run computations and maintain a code base in version control.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on use of classical packages including QuantumATK, QuantumEspresso or VASP.
The ability to design novel fault-tolerant algorithms.
A peer-reviewed publication record.
Client or partner facing delivery experience.
Active participation in the fault-tolerant quantum computing community through tools, metrics, talks, repositories or patents.
Familiarity with agentic AI tooling such as OpenAI Codex or Anthropic Claude Code.
Experience comparing simulation results against experimental data such as neutron scattering.
Experience comparing simulation results against experimental data such as neutron scattering.
Hands-on use of classical packages including QuantumATK, QuantumEspresso or VASP.
The ability to design novel fault-tolerant algorithms.
A peer-reviewed publication record.
Client or partner facing delivery experience.
Active participation in the fault-tolerant quantum computing community through tools, metrics, talks, repositories or patents.
Familiarity with agentic AI tooling such as OpenAI Codex or Anthropic Claude Code.

Responsibilities

Lead scientific work on condensed matter and high energy physics problems, connecting them to quantum computation.
Focus on magnetic systems, phase transitions, spintronics, strongly correlated spin dynamics, spin liquids, and high temperature superconductivity, including Fermi-Hubbard models, optical conductivity, and eta pairing.
Address 2+1D systems, lattice QCD, and lattice gauge theory in high energy physics.
Compare results computed on quantum computers against experimental data such as neutron scattering, using dynamical structure factors, spectral functions, and spin transport.
Pair quantum approaches with established classical simulation methods.
Lead condensed matter and high energy physics application projects, working independently against agreed goals.
Connect physics problems to quantum computation, selecting appropriate fault-tolerant algorithms and mapping problems onto quantum-native formulations.
Combine classical simulation and HPC workloads with quantum methods in integrated end-to-end workflows.
Compare computed results against experimental data, including neutron scattering observables such as dynamical structure factors and spectral functions.
Collaborate with other fault-tolerant algorithms researchers and with the quantum chemistry and software engineering teams.
Contribute to publications and external technical representation.