Staff Scientist - Quantum Chemistry

IonQ is developing the world's most powerful full-stack quantum computer based on trapped-ion technology. We are 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 like medicine, materials science, finance, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cryptography, and more. IonQ is at the forefront of this technological revolution.

We’re looking for a Staff Scientist - Quantum Chemistry who will be part of a cross-functional team at IonQ whose mission is to deliver the world’s best quantum solutions, on the world’s best quantum computers, to solve the world’s most complex and impactful problems. You will be part of the Quantum Applications team and develop bio/chem/pharma applications that will make a real world difference for customers around the globe.

Responsibilities:

• Develop impactful quantum chemistry algorithms and applications that promise commercial advantages in practice and at scale.
• Collaborate with compiler, cloud and system/hardware teams to develop highly optimized hybrid quantum workflows.
• Contribute knowledge of computational chemistry domain (classical and quantum) to evaluate and communicate pros and cons, current state-of-the-art, scaling behavior, trade offs, cross-over points, etc.
• Work directly with global clients to define and solve problems of real-world interest using IonQ trapped-ion quantum computers.
• Build reusable software platforms to grow IonQ’s user base.

You’d be a good fit with:

• Doctorate degree in Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or other STEM domain, or equivalent work experience.
• Hands-on expertise as a computational chemist including peer-reviewed manuscripts and contributions to code bases e.g. AFQMC, DFT, MD, coupled-cluster, etc.
• Hands-on expertise with computational chemistry and materials science toolkits, e.g. pySCF, OpenFermion, VASP, quantum Espresso, and QuantumATK, etc.
• Expertise in key mathematical techniques used in quantum computing - linear algebra, matrix decompositions, probability theory, symmetry, computational complexity.
• Desire to work closely with global collaborators including aligning with time zones and work schedules. Potential for international travel and/or onsite co-location.

You’d be a great fit with:

• Hands-on expertise in Python and Qiskit; working knowledge of C++.
• Success working directly with customers and collaborators to define and deliver new programs; global experience a plus.
• Industrial R&D experience in chem/bio/pharma/materials science
• Experience developing quantum chemistry algorithms for NISQ era quantum computers, including hybrid solutions e.g. classical pre/post processing (CPU) and variational (GPU + QPU) energy minimization.