Quantum 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.

This role is based at our Oxford, UK office with the option to work a few days a week remotely.

Up to 5%

1777

We are pioneering advancements in quantum computing by utilizing trapped ion technology and our proprietary laser-free quantum control methods. Our research and development efforts build on our fully integrated quantum processors that can be fabricated within standard silicon foundries. This unique approach allows us to leverage the highest-performing qubit technology while ensuring scalability and manufacturability using existing semiconductor fabrication technology. We approach quantum computing with a focus on minimizing errors, striving to achieve ultra-low gate errors  immediate objective is to develop functional quantum computers within the NISQ regime, aiming to construct fault-tolerant machines that require minimal QEC overhead.

Our recent breakthroughs include achieving 99.97% fidelity in two-qubit gates and 99.9992% fidelity in single-qubit operations without error correction, setting new industry standards for performance.

We are looking for a Quantum Scientist to join our UK Science team  Quantum Scientists work at the forefront of our research efforts to develop the next generation of quantum computers.

They are responsible for validating and optimising the performance of our computers, playing a critical role in ensuring we are able to meet our research and development goals and timelines. Our Scientists' work spans a broad range of areas from designing, coding, debugging and executing experiments, to developing and validating novel control schemes. They are responsible for documenting and sharing their findings with the aim of pushing the boundaries of system performance.

• Prototyping and characterising coherent control and cooling schemes for trapped-ion qubits using laser and microwave fields.
• Calibrating and benchmarking quantum systems, focusing on achieving the highest fidelities for quantum circuit primitives (e.g. ion transport or gate operations) and full circuits.
• Validating emerging trap technologies, including integrated electronics and photonics for large-scale architectures.
• Analysing experimental data, debug complex hardware/software interactions, and ensure reliability of qubit operations.

• PhD in physics or a related discipline, with a strong foundation in atomic or qubit-related physics. Prior postdoctoral or industry experience is valuable, but we are open to applicants moving directly from a PhD.
• Solid background in quantum control, and hands-on experience in calibration, benchmarking, or coherent control of qubits.
• Motivated scientists who can contribute to the progress of this fast moving, highly technical team and help the organisation meet our research goals.
• Proven expertise in experimental AMO physics or quantum computing. Experience with trapped ions is beneficial though not essential.
• Prior experience in one or more of the following: spectroscopy or coherent control of multi-level systems, characterisation of control hardware, gate fidelity benchmarking or running quantum circuits on hardware.
• Strong proficiency in programming and data analysis, experience of Python or Rust is desirable.
• Strong collaborative skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a fast-moving team.
• A track record of scientific…