Staff Scientist - Quantum Characterization & Benchmarking

IonQ•Boulder, CO

About The Position

IonQ is seeking a Staff Scientist specializing in quantum characterization and benchmarking to serve as the technical lead of its QCVV team. The role drives development of novel characterization and benchmarking protocols for IonQ quantum processors, with the work informing the design and optimization of next-generation quantum error correction architectures. The position leads QCVV research, builds scalable benchmarking frameworks, and collaborates with experimental and quantum error correction teams to turn theoretical insights into measurable system improvements. The Staff Scientist sets research direction for processor characterization, develops protocols that scale to many qubits, and connects measured results to error models used by system architects and QEC researchers. The role also includes publishing in top-tier venues, representing IonQ at conferences, mentoring junior researchers, and shaping the QCVV team's technical direction. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and benefits. The posted base salary range is $1–$1 USD, with compensation varying according to candidate qualifications, experience, office location, market data, and internal equity. U.S. technical roles are subject to export-control and government-contract restrictions, including verification of U.S. Person status or applicable authorization. IonQ is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair treatment, access, opportunity, advancement, and an inclusive workplace.

Requirements

PhD in physics, quantum information, mathematics, or a related field.
Seven or more years of research experience in quantum characterization, benchmarking, or closely related fields.
Strong publication record in quantum information science.
Ability to write, read, and debug scientific simulations and prototypes.
Deep expertise in benchmarking protocols such as randomized benchmarking, gate set tomography, and character benchmarking.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in representation theory as applied to QCVV.
Experience with scalable benchmarking methods for many-qubit systems.
Experience with trapped-ion or neutral-atom quantum systems.
Familiarity with quantum error-correction codes and decoder design.

Responsibilities

Lead development of novel, scalable QCVV protocols for multi-qubit quantum processors.
Set research direction for quantum processor characterization and develop protocols that scale to many qubits and connect measurements to useful error models.
Design benchmarks sensitive to specific noise types, informed by component-level characterizations and first principles.
Develop theoretical frameworks connecting characterization data to actionable error models, such as detector error models.
Collaborate with QEC and compiler teams to inform error-correction code selection and decoder design.
Publish research results in top-tier venues and represent IonQ at conferences.
Mentor junior researchers and help shape the technical direction of the QCVV team.