Senior Quantum Physicist

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Annual bonus

Flexible hybrid

Private medical

Dental insurance

Generous leave

Job summary

IonQ in Oxford, UK, seeks a Senior Quantum Scientist to validate and optimize quantum computers. You will design, code, and run experiments, calibrate and benchmark qubit operations, and push performance toward fault-tolerance while collaborating with a fast-moving UK Science team.

The role requires a PhD in physics and hands-on AMO/quantum experience; strong programming in Python or Rust and a track record of publications are valued. Hybrid working with occasional travel is offered.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or related field with strong AMO/quantum knowledge.
• Hands-on calibration, benchmarking, and coherent control of qubits.
• Experience communicating results through papers or talks.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and characterise coherent control and cooling schemes for trapped-ion qubits.
• Calibrate and benchmark quantum systems to achieve high fidelities.
• Validate trap technologies and integrated electronics for large-scale architectures.
• Analyze data, debug hardware/software interactions, and ensure qubit reliability.

Skills

Quantum control

Python

Rust

Data analysis

Collaboration

Publications

Experiments

Education

PhD in physics

Job description

About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance. Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.

Location:

This role is based at our Oxford, UK office with the option to work a few days a week remotely.

Travel:

Up to 5%

Job ID:

1777

The Role:

We are pioneering advancements in quantum computing by utilizing trapped ion technology and our proprietary laser-free quantum control methods. Our research and development efforts build on our fully integrated quantum processors that can be fabricated within standard silicon foundries. This unique approach allows us to leverage the highest-performing qubit technology while ensuring scalability and manufacturability using existing semiconductor fabrication technology. We approach quantum computing with a focus on minimizing errors, striving to achieve ultra-low gate errors at scale. Our immediate objective is to develop functional quantum computers within the NISQ regime, aiming to construct fault-tolerant machines that require minimal QEC overhead. Our recent breakthroughs include achieving 99.97% fidelity in two-qubit gates and 99.9992% fidelity in single-qubit operations without error correction, setting new industry standards for performance.

We are looking for Quantum Physicist to join our UK Science team at IonQ. Our Quantum Scientists work at the forefront of our research efforts to develop the next generation of quantum computers.

They are responsible for validating and optimising the performance of our computers, playing a critical role in ensuring we are able to meet our research and development goals and timelines. Our Scientists’ work spans a broad range of areas from designing, coding, debugging and executing experiments, to developing and validating novel control schemes. They are responsible for documenting and sharing their findings with the aim of pushing the boundaries of system performance.

Responsibilities:

As a Senior Quantum Scientist, you will typically be responsible for a combination of these different responsibilities:

• Prototyping and characterising coherent control and cooling schemes for trapped-ion qubits using laser and microwave fields.
• Calibrating and benchmarking quantum systems, focusing on achieving the highest fidelities for quantum circuit primitives (e.g. ion transport or gate operations) and full circuits.
• Validating emerging trap technologies, including integrated electronics and photonics for large-scale architectures.
• Analysing experimental data, debug complex hardware/software interactions, and ensure reliability of qubit operations.

Requirements:

To be successful in this role, you will need a PhD in physics or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in atomic or qubit-related physics. Prior postdoctoral or industry experience is valuable, but we are open to applicants moving directly from a PhD.

We're looking for someone with a solid background in quantum control, and hands-on experience in calibration, benchmarking, or coherent control of qubits, would be desirable. We're looking for motivated scientists who can contribute to the progress of this fast moving, highly technical team and help the organisation meet our research goals.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Proven expertise in experimental AMO physics or quantum computing. Experience with trapped ions is beneficial though not essential.
• Prior experience in one or more of the following: spectroscopy or coherent control of multi-level systems, characterisation of control hardware, gate fidelity benchmarking or running quantum circuits on hardware.
• Strong proficiency in programming and data analysis, experience of Python or Rust is desirable.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a fast-moving team.
• A track record of scientific communication through publications, talks and conferences would be advantageous.

Benefits:

Be part of a team that’s shaping the future of quantum. We offer more than just a role, you’ll join a world class community of scientists, engineers and innovators working to unlock the full potential of quantum computing.

We offer a range of benefits, including opportunities to further your career alongside industry leaders, a competitive salary with IonQ stock options, an annual performance bonus, generous annual leave, flexible hybrid working, private medical and dental insurance for you and your family, and much more.

Join us and be part of the future of quantum computing.

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

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.