IonQ
Senior Researcher, Quantum Finance Engineering
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Senior Researcher, Quantum Finance Engineering
role at
IonQ . IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full‑stack quantum computer based on trapped‑ion technology and is 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 such as medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cryptography.
IonQ is seeking a Senior Researcher who will co‑lead the design, development, and implementation of quantum solutions that address high‑value use cases in the financial sector. The ideal candidate will bridge deep domain expertise in financial mathematics, quantitative modeling, and optimization with quantum algorithm design and near‑term hardware capabilities.
This role is highly strategic and interdisciplinary. You will collaborate with IonQ's hardware, software, and research teams to identify problems where quantum advantage is emerging, engage with global financial institutions to co‑develop pilots, and contribute to the evolution of IonQ's algorithmic and application roadmap. The position involves meeting with customers, academic collaborators, and internal teams across IonQ's global ecosystem.
Unlike traditional roles in quantum information theory, this role requires deep expertise not only in quantum computing but also in the finance industry domain and in AI/ML. The ideal candidate is expected to be not only an expert in quantum computing but also very knowledgeable in quantitative analysis and in finance use cases such as portfolio optimization, option pricing, risk analysis, and fraud detection. Deep knowledge in classical and quantum AI/ML is a plus because AI/ML is now a foundational discipline in finance.
Responsibilities
Contribute to the creation of IonQ's research and development initiatives in quantum algorithms for finance, including portfolio optimization, option pricing, risk modeling, fraud detection, and derivative valuation.
Be an expert and a capable project manager in the following areas: quantum information theory, high performance computing, circuit compilation and optimization, error correction and quantum software engineering, integrating these components to make quantum algorithms and applications for finance run on real quantum hardware today.
Contribute to the translation of financial problem statements into quantum algorithmic frameworks suited for NISQ (Noisy Intermediate‑Scale Quantum) devices and future fault‑tolerant architectures.
Collaborate with IonQ's Quantum Solutions and Partnerships teams to define and execute industry pilots with major banks, hedge funds, and asset managers.
Publish and present groundbreaking results at top‑tier academic and industry venues, helping shape global thought leadership in quantum finance.
Be an active member of a high‑performing interdisciplinary team of quantum scientists, financial engineers, and software developers.
Partner with IonQ's business and product teams to translate research outcomes into deployable, scalable commercial offerings.
Represent IonQ in external collaborations with academic institutions, government agencies, and consortia focused on quantum advantage in finance.
Travel 10%-20% of the time to support customer engagements, research collaborations, and strategic partnership initiatives.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Quantitative Finance, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in quantitative research, algorithm design, or computational finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Excellent knowledge and skills not only in quantum computing but also in error correction, circuit compilation and optimization, high‑performance computing, and quantum software engineering.
Excellent knowledge and skills in quantum for AI/ML.
Demonstrated expertise in quantum algorithms, optimization, or machine learning; familiarity with quantum programming frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, IonQ SDK, and Pennylane.
Deep understanding of financial modeling, including stochastic calculus, numerical methods, and high‑performance computing.
Proven record of publishing or deploying innovative solutions in finance, operations research, or applied quantum computing.
Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging both technical and executive‑level audiences.
Additional Attributes
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:
1193
Compensation : The approximate base salary range for this position is $123,191 – $161,289. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity. Compensation will vary depending on individualized factors such as market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance.
IonQ's headquarters is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. We are also building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA. Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, or 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.
Export Control Notice (U.S. Technical Jobs) Employment with IonQ is contingent on verifying U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee or asylum seeker). If you are not a U.S. Person, IonQ may decline to apply for a license or to use a license exception for export‑controlled technology. We will have additional questions regarding your immigration status as part of export control compliance.
Export Control Notice (U.S. Non‑Technical Jobs) Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee or asylum seeker. Additional questions regarding your immigration status will be asked for export control compliance.
If you are interested in being part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Researcher, Quantum Finance Engineering
role at
IonQ . IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full‑stack quantum computer based on trapped‑ion technology and is 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 such as medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cryptography.
IonQ is seeking a Senior Researcher who will co‑lead the design, development, and implementation of quantum solutions that address high‑value use cases in the financial sector. The ideal candidate will bridge deep domain expertise in financial mathematics, quantitative modeling, and optimization with quantum algorithm design and near‑term hardware capabilities.
This role is highly strategic and interdisciplinary. You will collaborate with IonQ's hardware, software, and research teams to identify problems where quantum advantage is emerging, engage with global financial institutions to co‑develop pilots, and contribute to the evolution of IonQ's algorithmic and application roadmap. The position involves meeting with customers, academic collaborators, and internal teams across IonQ's global ecosystem.
Unlike traditional roles in quantum information theory, this role requires deep expertise not only in quantum computing but also in the finance industry domain and in AI/ML. The ideal candidate is expected to be not only an expert in quantum computing but also very knowledgeable in quantitative analysis and in finance use cases such as portfolio optimization, option pricing, risk analysis, and fraud detection. Deep knowledge in classical and quantum AI/ML is a plus because AI/ML is now a foundational discipline in finance.
Responsibilities
Contribute to the creation of IonQ's research and development initiatives in quantum algorithms for finance, including portfolio optimization, option pricing, risk modeling, fraud detection, and derivative valuation.
Be an expert and a capable project manager in the following areas: quantum information theory, high performance computing, circuit compilation and optimization, error correction and quantum software engineering, integrating these components to make quantum algorithms and applications for finance run on real quantum hardware today.
Contribute to the translation of financial problem statements into quantum algorithmic frameworks suited for NISQ (Noisy Intermediate‑Scale Quantum) devices and future fault‑tolerant architectures.
Collaborate with IonQ's Quantum Solutions and Partnerships teams to define and execute industry pilots with major banks, hedge funds, and asset managers.
Publish and present groundbreaking results at top‑tier academic and industry venues, helping shape global thought leadership in quantum finance.
Be an active member of a high‑performing interdisciplinary team of quantum scientists, financial engineers, and software developers.
Partner with IonQ's business and product teams to translate research outcomes into deployable, scalable commercial offerings.
Represent IonQ in external collaborations with academic institutions, government agencies, and consortia focused on quantum advantage in finance.
Travel 10%-20% of the time to support customer engagements, research collaborations, and strategic partnership initiatives.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Quantitative Finance, or a related field.
5+ years of experience in quantitative research, algorithm design, or computational finance, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Excellent knowledge and skills not only in quantum computing but also in error correction, circuit compilation and optimization, high‑performance computing, and quantum software engineering.
Excellent knowledge and skills in quantum for AI/ML.
Demonstrated expertise in quantum algorithms, optimization, or machine learning; familiarity with quantum programming frameworks such as Qiskit, Cirq, IonQ SDK, and Pennylane.
Deep understanding of financial modeling, including stochastic calculus, numerical methods, and high‑performance computing.
Proven record of publishing or deploying innovative solutions in finance, operations research, or applied quantum computing.
Exceptional communication skills, capable of engaging both technical and executive‑level audiences.
Additional Attributes
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:
1193
Compensation : The approximate base salary range for this position is $123,191 – $161,289. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity. Compensation will vary depending on individualized factors such as market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment. Our US benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance.
IonQ's headquarters is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. We are also building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA. Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, or 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.
Export Control Notice (U.S. Technical Jobs) Employment with IonQ is contingent on verifying U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee or asylum seeker). If you are not a U.S. Person, IonQ may decline to apply for a license or to use a license exception for export‑controlled technology. We will have additional questions regarding your immigration status as part of export control compliance.
Export Control Notice (U.S. Non‑Technical Jobs) Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted refugee or asylum seeker. Additional questions regarding your immigration status will be asked for export control compliance.
If you are interested in being part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!
#J-18808-Ljbffr