Staff Scientist - Materials Science

IonQ•Bothell, WA

4d•$174,520 - $250,253•Hybrid

About The Position

IonQ, Inc. is seeking a Staff Scientist, Materials Science to join the Computational Sciences team. This new group within Applications R&D focuses on general physics problems in condensed matter and high energy physics, alongside combinatorial optimization. The role requires dedicated condensed matter and high energy physics capability, addressing problems currently handled by a virtual team. The work bridges traditional classical simulation and fault-tolerant quantum computing, requiring an understanding of both approaches and their respective strengths. The scientist will work independently towards goals and help shape IonQ's approach to scientific problems 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.
Knowledge of existing fault-tolerant methods, their functions, and applications.
Scientific programming in Python and C++ sufficient to integrate tools, run computations, and maintain a code base in version control.
A doctorate in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related field, with postdoctoral or industry experience.
Ability to carry 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, and an understanding of how to integrate classical and quantum approaches.
Familiarity with fault-tolerant quantum algorithms and their applications.
Ability to explain what methods such as quantum phase estimation or quantum singular value transformation do and where they apply.

Nice To Haves

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 quantum computer results against experimental data (e.g., 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 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.
Collaborate with fault-tolerant algorithms, quantum chemistry, and software engineering teams.
Contribute to publications and external technical representation.