Senior Quantum Scientist - Trapped-Ion Systems Lead

IonQ; Boulder (CO); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

IonQ is seeking a Senior Staff Quantum Scientist to join the Science team. You will take a leading role in research, driving experimental efforts and the architecture of future quantum systems.

You will oversee coherent control, calibration, and benchmarking at scale, with a focus on ultra‑low error rates and system reliability across larger trapped‑ion devices. This role demands scientific leadership and collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or closely related field and 7+ years post‑PhD experience.
• Proven experience in quantum control, calibration, benchmarking of qubits.
• Strong programming and data analysis skills.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor junior scientists.

Responsibilities

• Lead prototyping and characterization of coherent control schemes for trapped‑ion qubits using laser and microwave fields.
• Drive system‑level benchmarking and optimization for world‑leading performance and stability.
• Validate and integrate new trap technologies to support scaling towards error‑corrected architectures.
• Guide junior scientists in experimental design, analysis and presentation of results.
• Represent IonQ at conferences and external collaborations.

Skills

AMO physics

Quantum computing

Programming

Data analysis

Education

PhD in Physics

Tools

Control hardware integration

Job description

IonQ is seeking a Senior Staff Quantum Scientist to join the Science team. You will take a leading role in research, driving experimental efforts and the architecture of future quantum systems.

You will oversee coherent control, calibration, and benchmarking at scale, with a focus on ultra‑low error rates and system reliability across larger trapped‑ion devices. This role demands scientific leadership and collaboration across teams.