Staff Scientist, Quantum Algorithms and Applications

IonQ•Bothell, WA

4d•$174,520 - $250,253•Hybrid

About The Position

IonQ, Inc. is seeking a Staff Scientist, Quantum Algorithms and Applications to join the Computational Sciences team. This role focuses on applying quantum algorithms to problems in condensed matter physics and high energy physics, utilizing IonQ's trapped-ion systems. The position requires expertise in both classical theory/simulation and fault-tolerant quantum computing, with the ability to independently drive scientific work and contribute to IonQ's approach to solving complex scientific problems. The work involves designing and implementing quantum algorithms, error mitigation, and error detection methods, as well as performing codesign and resource estimation for future quantum hardware. Collaboration with other research teams and external representation through publications are also key aspects of the role.

Requirements

Practical experience with quantum computing and quantum algorithms applied to scientific problems.
Genuine subject matter depth in condensed matter or high energy physics.
Comfort working across classical simulation and quantum methods.
Experience using scientific programming to integrate tools, run computations and maintain a code base.
A doctorate in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a related field, with postdoctoral or industry experience and a track record of carrying research forward independently.
Direct experience implementing quantum algorithms on near-term quantum hardware, using error mitigation and error detection methods to improve hardware fidelity or achievable circuit depth.
Direct experience applying quantum algorithms to scientific problems, including fault-tolerant methods such as quantum phase estimation, Hamiltonian simulation or quantum singular value transformation, and an understanding of how they map onto condensed matter and high energy physics problems.
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, plus scientific programming in Python and C++ sufficient to integrate tools, run computations and maintain a code base in version control.

Nice To Haves

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 the design and application of quantum algorithms to condensed matter and high energy physics problems.
Design and implementation of near-term fault tolerant quantum algorithms such as Trotter-Suzuki methods, as well as novel error mitigation and Quantum Error Detection (QED) methods on IonQ's trapped-ion hardware.
Conduct research into the design and application of fault tolerant algorithms such as novel block encoding methods, QSVT and QPE in condensed matter and high energy physics.
Lead condensed matter and high energy physics application projects, working independently against agreed goals.
Design and implement novel quantum algorithms, error mitigation and error detection methods (QED), with demonstrations on near-term IonQ hardware.
Perform codesign and resource estimation of fault-tolerant quantum algorithms alongside the compiler and QEC teams for future IonQ hardware.
Combine classical simulation and HPC workloads with quantum methods in integrated end-to-end workflows, mapping physics problems onto quantum-native formulations.
Collaborate with other fault-tolerant algorithms researchers and with the quantum chemistry and software engineering teams, and contribute to publications and external technical representation.