Staff Scientist, Quantum Algorithms and Applications

Requirements: This role requires both halves of an uncommon combination. You will need genuine subject matter depth in condensed matter or high energy physics, and equally, practical experience with quantum computing and quantum algorithms applied to scientific problems. Candidates strong in one and not the other are unlikely to be a fit. You will be comfortable working across classical simulation and quantum methods, and using scientific programming to integrate tools, run computations and maintain a code base. You would be a great fit with: 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. 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. 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. Scientific programming in Python and C++ sufficient to integrate tools, run computations and maintain a code base in version control. Also valuable: 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; and familiarity with agentic AI tooling such as OpenAI Codex or Anthropic Claude Code. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site. If this role has a commission structure, the compensation range below just reflects the base compensation range. Wage Transparency: $174,520 — $250,253 USD Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. US Technical Jobs. The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions. Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law. If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!