Senior Scientist, Quantum Applications - Chicago

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.  

We’re looking for a Senior Scientist in Quantum Applications who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ, with a mission to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions on the world’s most powerful trapped-ion quantum computers to solve some of the most complex and impactful problems. This role is central to IonQ’s mission to translate quantum computing advances into real-world scientific and commercial impact. You will develop end-to-end quantum applications that drive scientific advancement, collaborate with customers and community partners, and support a new landmark initiative with the University of Chicago.

• →Develop, implement, and optimize novel quantum algorithms, applications, and end-to-end workflows that will make scientific and commercial impact in areas such as computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning
• →Work with customers and partners to define and solve problems of real- world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers
• →Discover innovative solutions, rigorously benchmark their performance, and publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and conferences
• →Help shape team culture and create a lasting impact by supporting an initiative that delivers new scientific discoveries and innovation
  
  

• 6+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated expertise in Python and/or C++, and experience with Qiskit or similar quantum SDKs
• Hands-on expertise developing or optimizing quantum algorithms in areas such as computational chemistry, optimization, and machine learning
• Track record of delivering innovative quantum solutions demonstrated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, invited talks, open-source repositories, licenses, publications, and/or patents
• Strong foundation in key quantum computing concepts and the ability to articulate deeply technical ideas to diverse audiences, ranging from scientists and engineers to business leaders and community stakeholders
• Experience being part of a team that finds, defines, and solves problems of real-world interest, with strong collaboration skills and clear technical communication
  
  

• Ph.D. in computer science, mathematics, engineering, physics, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience contributing to customer-facing or partner-facing technical engagements, from problem definition through solution delivery
• Experience with variational quantum algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical workloads spanning CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs
• Experience developing hybrid quantum algorithms for NISQ-era systems as well as early fault-tolerant quantum computers
• Demonstrated experience with quantum algorithm resource estimation, performance benchmarking, and scaling analysis
• Proven success working with customers to define and deliver solutions
  
  

If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!