Principal Application Scientist

IonQ

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are pushing past the limits of classical physics and current supercomputing technology to unlock a new era of computing. Quantum computing has the potential to impact every area of human society for the better. IonQ’s computers will soon redefine industries like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution. We are looking for a Principal Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms to lead the technical development in utilizing IonQ’s quantum computers to create highly differentiated quantum solutions that will bring value to society. As a Principal Scientist – Fault-Tolerant Quantum Algorithms, you’ll be be a visionary and pace-setter for a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on a multi-generational journey to solve the world’s most complex problems using the world’s best quantum computers built at IonQ. As a world-renowned leader on fault-tolerant algorithms, you will help discover the next generation of quantum applications that are poised to deliver results exceeding state-of-the-art classical methods. You will play a key role in developing core IP, computational resource models, long-term roadmaps and end-to-end workflows that have the potential to disrupt the field of computing. You will also work closely with product, engineering, marketing, sales, operations, and external customers/partners to brainstorm new ideas, propose complex, multi-year initiatives and represent IonQ at high-visibility technical conferences (often all in a single day)!

Requirements

PhD in Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics or another STEM domain, or equivalent work experience
Professional work experience in the quantum computing field solving the toughest challenges for society
World-class expertise in FTQC algorithms that can scale to millions of qubits, billions of gates with line-of-sight to end-customer value. Current portfolio of invited talks, repos, licenses, publications and/or patents
Renowned contributor within the FTQC algorithm community including the development of tools (libraries, simulators, compiler), metrics (costing, resource estimation, ROI) and ecosystem (economic development, standards)
Relentless dedication to optimizing quantum algorithms (accuracy, time-to-solution) through first-principles/elegant theoretical equations as well as engineering optimization; documented performance gains
Mastery of key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing. Ability to communicate complex concepts to audiences ranging from domain experts to investors to the general public
Ability to deliver excellence across all scales: technical leader, team player and IC

Nice To Haves

10+ years of professional work experience developing FT quantum algorithms that align with realistic industry problems such as computer-aided engineering, phase transitions, reaction modeling, etc.
Ability to supervise and review codes in Python and Qiskit or similar quantum SDKs; working knowledge of C++. Ability to bring the best out of team members working in a customer-focused, rapidly changing environment
Experience proposing, winning, and executing on consultative (paid) contracts; government contracting or defense contracting experience a plus
Experience commercializing end-to-end software utilizing hybrid computing e.g. CPU + GPU + QPU, Edge, Cloud, etc. Knowledge of CI/CD a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the conception, implementation and optimization of fault-tolerant quantum algorithms that will make a large scientific and commercial impact across a wide range of industry verticals
Drive multi-disciplinary teams to identify, define and solve challenging problems using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers. Inspire and influence IonQ stakeholders as well as external luminaries in academia / industry / government to contribute to moonshot collaborations.
Be a go-to expert to do SWOT analyses of FTQC algorithms, especially as they compare to NISQ algorithms and classical HPC algorithms. Communicate the current state-of-the-art, competitive landscape, scaling behaviors, trade offs, cross-over points using language that is appropriate for technical, business and general audiences.
Develop a portfolio of foundational IP, commercially relevant applications and high-impact-factor peer-reviewed publications. Contribute toward IonQ’s technical roadmap and share externally with academics, customers, press, investors, etc.