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 are looking for a Senior Physicist. As a physicist on the Integrated Photonics team, you’ll be 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 assist with the construction and operation of a new ion-based testbed for integrated photonics at the IonQ Basel location. You will spend time getting up to speed with the operation of IonQ quantum computers and testbeds with the photonics testbed team. You will then assume a full-time, on-site role at the Basel office, where you will be responsible for coordinating with teams for assembly instructions and ultimately building and qualifying the new system. You will work closely with the testbed team in the College Park office, including remote meetings and occasional on-site visits. As the testbed enters an operational phase, your role will focus more on ion-based testing of integrated photonics technologies. You will provide critical testing data to the integrated photonics team that will enable us to produce new technologies that will increase the capabilities of IonQ’s quantum computers.
Responsibilities:
- Build and then operate a trapped-ion testbed for evaluating integrated photonics technologies with ions
- Work with a varied team of physicists and engineers spread over multiple locations to collect system requirements and provide design feedback
- Operate the testbed to collect and analyze data and present results to the team
- Collaborate closely with the testbed team in College Park to debug issues and improve testbed operation procedures
- Support hiring and training of new team members to assist with the operation of the testbed
You’d be a good fit with:
- A PhD in experimental quantum physics or related experience
- 6+ years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- 3+ years of laboratory experience, including alignment of optical and laser systems, laser frequency locking, operation and maintenance of vacuum chambers, experimental control using digital and analog control systems
- Experience building an atomic physics apparatus, including UHV handling procedures, equipment infrastructure setup, operation of cryogenic systems, and/or construction of optomechanical setups
- Experience with Python programming
- Strong desire to be hands-on, with the ability to spend the majority of your time working on and constructing hardware and being involved at all levels of detail, while still providing regular updates on progress and challenges
- Disposition to work and determine next steps independently
You’d be a great fit with:
- A PhD focused on trapped ion quantum computing
- Experience building a trapped-ion apparatus
- 6+ years of laboratory experience in an atomic physics lab
- Deep experience using Python programming for experiment control and data analysis
- Experience with component testing at cryogenic temperatures
- Experience working with integrated photonics or fiber optical systems
Location: This role will work onsite at our office located in Basel, Switzerland.
Travel: Up to 10%
Compensation will vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Beyond base salary, total compensation includes a variable bonus and equity component and a range of benefit options found on our career site at ionq.co/jobs. 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 401K, unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, a home internet stipend, and pet insurance!
IonQ's HQ is located in College Park, Maryland, just outside of Washington DC. We are actively building out our recently opened manufacturing and production facility in Bothell, WA (near Seattle). Depending on the position, you may be required to be near one of our offices in College Park, Seattle, Toronto, Canada, and 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.
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. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum) status for export controls and government contracts work, obtaining any necessary license, and/or confirming the availability of a license exception under U.S. export controls. Please note that in the absence of confirming you are a U.S. Person for export control and government contracts work purposes, IonQ may choose not to apply for a license or decline to use a license exception (if available) for you to access export-controlled technology that may require authorization, and similarly, you may not qualify for government contracts work that requires U.S. Persons, and IonQ may decline to proceed with your application on those bases alone. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.
US Non-Technical Jobs. Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Accordingly, we will have some additional questions regarding your immigration status that will be used for export control and compliance purposes, and the answers will be reviewed by compliance personnel to ensure compliance with federal law.
If you are interested in being a part of our team and mission, we encourage you to apply!