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IonQ is the world's leading quantum computing platform and merchant supplier, delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. The company operates globally with headquarters in College Park, Maryland, and has achieved landmark performance milestones including 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity and world-record quantum computing performance.
As a Senior Staff Quantum Scientist, you will take a leading role in IonQ's research and development efforts, driving experimental innovation and architecting next-generation quantum systems. The role combines hands-on experimental work with technical leadership and mentorship.
You will be at the forefront of research in coherent control, calibration, and benchmarking at scale, with a focus on enabling ultra-low error rates and system reliability across larger trapped-ion devices. Key responsibilities include:
- Lead prototyping and characterization of advanced coherent control schemes for trapped-ion qubits using laser and microwave fields
- Drive system-level benchmarking and optimization to ensure near-term devices achieve world-leading performance and stability
- Validate and integrate new trap technologies (on-chip electronics, photonics) to support scaling toward error-corrected architectures
- Guide junior scientists in experimental design, analysis, and presentation of results
- Represent IonQ at conferences and external collaborations
You will work hands-on with current hardware, spanning design, debugging, and executing experiments, while developing novel control schemes and pushing system performance boundaries. Beyond experimental work, you will help shape technical direction and ensure research translates into scalable, fault-tolerant systems.
IonQ's approach leverages trapped-ion technology and proprietary laser-free quantum control methods, with fully integrated quantum processors fabricated in standard silicon foundries. Recent breakthroughs include 99.97% fidelity in two-qubit gates and 99.9992% fidelity in single-qubit operations without error correction.
REQUIREMENTS:
- PhD in physics or closely related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and practical experience
- At least 7 years of post-PhD experience in academia or industry, or equivalent relevant research experience
- Proven experience in quantum control with hands-on work in calibration, benchmarking, or coherent control of qubits
- Practical skills in control software, hardware integration, or experimental data analysis
- Deep experience in AMO (atomic, molecular, optical) physics or quantum computing (trapped-ion experience useful but not required)
- Experience in spectroscopy, simulation of multilevel systems, control hardware characterization, gate fidelity benchmarking, or running algorithms on hardware
- Strong proficiency in programming and data analysis
- Track record of collaboration across teams and clear communication of complex scientific results through publications, talks, or conferences
- Ability to lead projects, work autonomously, and guide junior scientists
Note: This position requires access to U.S. export-controlled technology. Candidates must verify U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee/asylee) or obtain necessary export licenses.
