[Hiring] Staff Scientist @IonQ

Role Description

We are looking for a Staff Scientist specialising in quantum characterisation and benchmarking. You will serve as the technical lead of the QCVV team, driving the development of novel characterisation and benchmarking protocols for IonQ's quantum processors. Your work will directly inform the design and optimisation of next-generation quantum error correction architectures.

In this role, you will lead cutting-edge research in QCVV, develop scalable benchmarking frameworks, and collaborate closely with experimental and QEC teams to translate theoretical insights into measurable system improvements. The ideal candidate is a world-class researcher with deep expertise in quantum benchmarking and the ability to define and drive ambitious technical programmes.

• You will set the research direction for how IonQ characterises its quantum processors, building protocols that scale to many qubits and that connect what we measure to the error models our architects and QEC researchers rely on.
• Alongside your own research, you will publish in top-tier venues, represent IonQ at conferences, mentor junior researchers and help shape the technical direction of the QCVV team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the development of novel, scalable QCVV protocols for multi-qubit quantum processors.
• Design benchmarks sensitive to specific noise types, informed by component-level characterisations and first principles.
• Develop theoretical frameworks connecting characterisation data to actionable error models, such as detector error models.
• Collaborate with the QEC and compiler teams to inform error correction code selection and decoder design.
• Publish research results in top-tier venues and represent IonQ at conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, quantum information, mathematics or a related field.
• Seven or more years of research experience in quantum characterisation, benchmarking or closely related fields.
• Strong publication record in quantum information science.

Requirements

• Ability to write, read and debug scientific simulations and prototypes.
• Deep expertise in benchmarking protocols such as randomised benchmarking, gate set tomography and character benchmarking.
• Expertise in representation theory as applied to QCVV.
• Experience with scalable benchmarking methods for many-qubit systems.
• Experience with trapped-ion or neutral-atom quantum systems.
• Familiarity with quantum error correction codes and decoder design.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Matching 401(k).
• Unlimited PTO and paid holidays.
• Parental/adoption leave.
• Legal insurance.
• Home technology stipend.