Senior Quantum Scientist

Physics World; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 127,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

IonQ, Inc. is recruiting a Quantum Scientist to advance trapped-ion quantum processors.

You will design, debug, and run experiments, develop novel control schemes, and improve system performance using our integrated hardware and software stack. The role requires a PhD in physics or related field with hands-on quantum control experience, strong data analysis skills, and collaboration within a fast-moving team.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or related discipline with strong AMO/quantum background.
• Hands-on experience in quantum control, calibration, benchmarking, or coherent control of qubits.
• Programming and data analysis proficiency; ability to work with hardware/software systems.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and characterize control schemes for trapped-ion qubits.
• Calibrate and benchmark quantum systems to achieve ultra-low gate errors.
• Validate emerging trap technologies including electronics and photonics.
• Analyze experimental data and present results to teams and collaborators.

Skills

AMO physics

Quantum computing

Trapped ions

Programming

Education

PhD in physics

Tools

Control software

Hardware integration

Data analysis

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 Boulder, CO office or Albuquerque, NM 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.

Responsibilities

As a Quantum Scientist, you will be at the forefront of our research efforts, working hands-on with our current hardware while helping to shape future generations of quantum processors. Your work will span designing, debugging, and executing experiments, developing novel control schemes, and pushing the boundaries of system performance.

You will:

• Prototype and characterize coherent control and cooling schemes for trapped-ion qubits using laser and microwave fields.
• Calibrate and benchmark quantum systems, focusing on achieving ultra-low gate errors and optimizing performance across device modules.
• Validate emerging trap technologies, including integrated electronics and photonics for large-scale architectures.
• Analyze experimental data, debug complex hardware/software interactions, and ensure reliability of qubit operations.
• Present results internally and externally, representing Oxford Ionics at conferences and in collaborations.

Requirements

You will need a PhD in physics or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in atomic or qubit-related physics. While prior postdoctoral or industry experience is valuable, this role is also open to candidates moving directly from a PhD. A solid background in quantum control, with hands-on experience in calibration, benchmarking, or coherent control of qubits, will be key to success. Practical skills in control software, hardware integration, or experimental data analysis are also important.

You will need:

• Proven expertise in experimental AMO physics or quantum computing. Experience with trapped ions is preferred.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a fast-moving team
• Prior experience in one or more of the following: spectroscopy or simulation of multi-level systems, characterization of control hardware, gate fidelity benchmarking or running algorithms on hardware
• Strong proficiency in programming and data analysis.
• A track record of scientific communication through publications, talks and conferences.

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

$126,887 - $181,949 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.