Staff Researcher - Quantum Finance Engineering

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About IonQ:

IonQ, Inc. [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum company delivering solutions to solve the world’s most complex problems. IonQ’s newest generation quantum computers, IonQ Tempo and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners such as Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA achieve 20x performance results. The company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance in 2025.

The company is accelerating its technology roadmap and intends to deliver the world’s most powerful quantum computers with 2 million qubits by 2030 to accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. IonQ’s advancements in quantum networking position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet.

IonQ is seeking a Staff Researcher, Quantum Computing for Financial Applications and Algorithms to drive the development and strategy of quantum solutions for the financial sector. This senior technical leadership role will be pivotal in defining the roadmap for next-generation quantum finance and security architectures, leveraging IonQ's expertise in hardware and algorithmic innovation. The core focus is on bridging quantum theory, AI/ML, and quantitative finance at scale.

As the ideal candidate, you will own key research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, and directly collaborate with global financial institutions. A critical responsibility is translating complex domain challenges into viable quantum-enabled solutions. This role involves working closely with IonQ’s hardware, software, and research teams to accelerate the realization of quantum advantage in areas like financial modeling, optimization, and cryptography.

Responsibilities:

• Lead IonQ's R&D in quantum algorithms specifically for the finance sector, covering key areas such as portfolio optimization, risk modeling, derivatives pricing, fraud detection, and post-quantum security.
• Define and drive the quantum finance research strategy, establishing long-term technical directions that align with IonQ's overarching product roadmap and partnership objectives.
• Architect and validate quantum algorithmic frameworks suitable for both NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) and future fault-tolerant architectures. This includes integrating expertise in quantum information theory, circuit compilation, and error correction.

• Mentor and guide senior researchers and engineers, cultivating a high-impact, results-driven, and collaborative research environment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with the Quantum Solutions, Product, and Business teams to successfully translate core research outcomes into deployable, real-world applications for enterprise clients.
• Engage strategically with leading financial institutions and regulatory bodies to facilitate the early adoption and shaping of quantum technologies in secure financial computing.
• Establish and nurture collaborations with top universities, national laboratories, and government organizations to significantly expand IonQ's external research ecosystem.
• Publish thought-leading research at premier conferences and in top-tier journals, establishing IonQ's reputation as a global authority in both quantum finance and quantum-secure architectures.
• Advise executive leadership on critical emerging trends in quantum computing, cryptographic security, and AI-driven financial technologies.

You’d be a good fit with:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Quantitative Finance, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in algorithmic research, computational finance, or quantum information, with at least 3 years in a leadership or principal investigator role.
• Deep technical expertise in quantum computing, error correction, compiler optimization, and high-performance computing.
• Proven experience in quantum AI/ML and its applications in finance.
• Advanced understanding of financial modeling, stochastic calculus, risk analytics, and optimization techniques.
• Demonstrated record of publishing, patenting, or deploying cutting-edge quantum or hybrid classical-quantum solutions.
• Strong track record of leading cross-disciplinary teams and influencing technical direction at the organizational level.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with both technical and executive audiences.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Knowledge in quantitative research
• Experience with use cases typical of banks and hedge funds

Location: This position can work onsite or hybrid from one of our offices (College Park, MD, Bothell, WA) or fully remote in the US.

Travel: Up to 20% Job ID:  1220

The approximate base salary range for this position is $162,920 - $213,304. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and Basel, Switzerland. However, IonQ will expand into additional domestic and international geographies, so don’t let this stop you from applying!

At IonQ, we believe in fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers. We empower employees to thrive by fostering a culture of autonomy, productivity, and respect. We are dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued.

We are committed to equity and justice. We welcome different voices and viewpoints and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

US Technical Jobs.The position you are applying for will require access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control and government contract restrictions.  Employment with IonQ is contingent on either verifying “U.S. Person” (e.g., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls.  Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone.  Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

US Non-Technical Jobs.Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.

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