IonQ seeks a Senior Researcher, Quantum Finance Engineering to co-lead the design and implementation of quantum solutions for high-value use cases in the financial sector. You will bridge deep domain expertise in finance with quantum algorithm design, collaborating across hardware, software, and research teams to identify problems and co-develop pilots with financial institutions.
What You'll Do
- Contribute to IonQ’s R&D initiatives in quantum algorithms for finance, including portfolio optimization, option pricing, risk modeling, fraud detection, and derivative valuation.
- Act as an expert and capable project manager in quantum information theory, high performance computing, circuit compilation and optimization, error correction, and quantum software engineering.
- Translate financial problem statements into quantum algorithmic frameworks suited for NISQ 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.
- 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.
- Travel 10%-20% of the time to support customer engagements, research collaborations, and strategic partnership initiatives.
What We're Looking For
- 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 in quantum computing, 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 (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, IonQ SDK, 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.
Nice to Have
- Knowledge in quantitative research.
- Experience with use cases typical of banks and hedge funds.
Technical Stack
- Qiskit
- Cirq
- IonQ SDK
- Pennylane
Team & Environment
You will join an interdisciplinary team of quantum scientists, financial engineers, and software developers.
Benefits & Compensation
- $123,191 - $161,289 base salary + equity
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- Matching 401K
- Unlimited PTO and paid holidays
- Parental/adoption leave
- Legal insurance
- Home internet stipend
- Pet insurance
Work Mode
This role is hybrid, based in College Park, MD or Bothell, WA.
IonQ is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does 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.
