Quantum Physicist - Trapped-Ion Systems (Remote-Friendly)

Physics World; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 127,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) match

Unlimited PTO

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Home technology stipend

Job summary

IonQ, based in Boulder, CO, is advancing quantum computing with trapped-ion processors. The Quantum Physicist role focuses on hands-on hardware work, designing and running experiments, and developing control schemes to push gate fidelity and scalability.

Responsibilities include calibration, benchmarking, and collaboration across teams to validate new trap technologies and data-analysis-driven improvements.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or related field with strong atomic/qubit background.
• Experience with trapped ions preferred.
• Hands-on experience in calibration, benchmarking, or coherent control of qubits.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills.
• Proven scientific communication through publications and talks.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and characterize coherent control and cooling schemes for trapped-ion qubits.
• Calibrate and benchmark quantum systems, aiming for ultra-low gate errors.
• Validate trap technologies, including integrated electronics and photonics for large-scale architectures.
• Analyze experimental data and debug hardware/software interactions.
• Present results at internal and external forums and collaborations.

Skills

experimental AMO physics

quantum computing

trapped ions

programming

data analysis

Education

PhD in physics or related field

Tools

control software

hardware integration

calibration and benchmarking

data analysis tools

Job description

IonQ, based in Boulder, CO, is advancing quantum computing with trapped-ion processors. The Quantum Physicist role focuses on hands-on hardware work, designing and running experiments, and developing control schemes to push gate fidelity and scalability.

Responsibilities include calibration, benchmarking, and collaboration across teams to validate new trap technologies and data-analysis-driven improvements.