Senior Research Scientist

About IonQ:  IonQ, Inc . [NYSE: IONQ] is the world’s leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum solutions across computing, networking, sensing, and security. IonQ’s newest generation of quantum computers, the IonQ Tempo, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems that have been helping customers and partners including Amazon Web Services, and AstraZeneca achieve 20x performance results and accelerate innovation in drug discovery, materials science, financial modeling, logistics, cybersecurity, and defense. In 2025, the company achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in quantum computing performance . Headquartered in College Park, Maryland, IonQ has operations in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Washington, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our quantum computing services are available through all major cloud providers, while we also meet the needs of networking and sensing customers across land, sea, air, and space. IonQ is making quantum platforms more accessible and impactful than ever before.   We are looking for a Senior Research Scientist for quantum memory development. As a Senior Research Scientist, you’ll lead part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex problems.  In this role, you will do pioneering work in quantum memories for long-range quantum networks and modular quantum computing. You will work with a world-class team of scientists and engineers to build systems that can rapidly process and store quantum information from photons and apply those systems to building scalable quantum computing systems. Your work will stretch from pioneering systems to operationalizing and scaling quantum memory systems that will be the backbone of the world’s largest quantum computers. Responsibilities:  Design and test control sequences for quantum memories with high efficiency and fidelity Coordinate with photonic design and fabrication teams to produce high performance nanophotonic devices Optimize low-duty cycle tune-up routines to keep quantum memory systems running with high up time Continuously improve repetition rate, efficiency, and fidelity of quantum memories Interface with RF and optical engineers to scale the control and qubit routing systems for a large scale optical-interconnect architecture You’d be a good fit with:  PhD in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering  Work in quantum optics and microwave control of qubits (ideally spin qubits in diamond) Experience designing and testing photonics  Experience in optically-mediated entanglement protocols between qubits You’d be a great fit with:  Experience architecting high performance electro-optic systems Experience in cryogenics (especially dilution refrigerators) Experience in RF design Experience using Lumerical, Comsol, and/or Sonnet for photonics and RF design Location: Boston, MA Travel: Occasional domestic travel, 1 to 4 times per year. Job ID:  IONQ-1269 The approximate base salary range for this position is $126,887 - $166,127. 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.  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.