Principal Application Scientist

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)!

 

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.

 

You’d be a good fit with:

• 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 scal