Senior Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications and Solutions

We’re looking for a Senior Staff Scientist - Quantum Applications and Solutions who will serve as a technical role model for a talented group of application scientists who are committed to delivering the world’s best quantum solutions, on the world’s best quantum computers, to solve the world’s most complex problems. You will lead the team through example, traversing wide and digging deep as a technical thought leader, be it through hands-on circuit optimization, brainstorming new ideas with customers, charting multi-year quantum applications roadmaps or representing IonQ at an industry conference. Often in a single day.

Responsibilities: 

• Identify quantum algorithms that promise quantum advantages, in practice and at scale
• Develop highly differentiated quantum circuits for IonQ quantum computers, in close collaboration with quantum compiler experts and quantum system experts
• Be a go-to technical leader and decision maker for a team of talented PhD researchers
• Actively communicate and collaborate with external partners of IonQ
• Grow IonQ’s user base by fostering relationships with customers, identifying problems of real-world interest and contributing to quantum solutions
• Be an internal and external advocate for the team
• Accommodate occasional travel to headquarters and customer sites and occasional evening/off-hours meetings (need-basis)

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Advanced degree in Physics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Operations Research or similar; or equivalent experience
• Ability to identify, prioritize and communicate algorithmic tradeoffs among mathematical techniques used in quantum computing e.g. linear algebra, matrix decompositions, probability theory, symmetry, computational complexity analysis. Industry experience in a computational field
• Research experience in quantum computing algorithms
• Excellent technical and executive presentation skills, including ability to communicate from research interns, academia/government to the C-suite
• Success working collaboratively while leading and guiding teams
• Ability to share knowledge, energize, motivate, inspire, educate and mentor others
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications, patents, conference presentations
• Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing algorithms to increase performance 
• Working knowledge of Python and quantum frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane or similar

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Success working directly with clients and customers delivering business-relevant software applications and/or experience developing commercial software
• Knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of different quantum computing hardware platforms, understanding of hardware-software codevelopment
• Leadership experience in an R&D environment
• Experience shipping quantum applications software
• Subject matter expertise in an applications area such as finance, pharma/healthcare, chemistry, computer vision, operations research or similar