Senior Director, Quantum Finance Theory

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 seeking a Senior Director of Quantum Complexity, Algorithms & Cryptography to lead IonQ’s global research strategy in quantum information theory, computational complexity, quantum cryptography, and classically intractable quantum simulations.

This role is foundational to IonQ’s long-term scientific leadership. You will define theoretical direction, lead high-impact research teams, build academic and government collaborations, publish at top venues, and directly influence next-generation quantum products demonstrating true quantum advantage.

Responsibilities:

• Define and lead IonQ’s global research roadmap in quantum complexity theory, cryptography, quantum information, and many-body physics.
• Identify and shape long-horizon opportunities for intractable quantum simulation, post-quantum cryptography, and provable quantum advantage.
• Guide cross-functional teams (hardware, systems, algorithms, applications) to ensure IonQ’s platforms support breakthrough complexity-class demonstrations and cryptographic primitives.
• Serve as a senior scientific advisor to IonQ leadership on strategy, publications, and long-term competitive positioning.
• Build and lead a world-class team of quantum finance theorists and research scientists.
• Shape external partnerships with global banks, regulators, government agencies, and industry consortia to co-develop pilot programs demonstrating real-world quantum value.
• Ensure scalability and integration of research outcomes into IonQ’s commercial product stack through close collaboration with product management and solutions engineering.
• Influence corporate strategy by providing executive leadership with insights into emerging trends, competitive landscape, and technology readiness in quantum finance and cryptography.
• Guide technical excellence and innovation, setting standards for scientific rigor, reproducibility, and impact across all teams under your purview.
• Develop and manage budgets and resource allocations for global R&D and partnership initiatives.
• Mentor senior leaders and principal researchers, fostering a high-performance, innovation-driven culture.
• Act as a strong people manager - setting clear expectations, conducting performance reviews, providing continuous feedback, and supporting career development and promotion across your team. 
• Represent IonQ as a global thought leader, delivering keynote talks, publishing in top-tier venues, and shaping standards and policy dialogues around quantum computing in finance.
  
  

You’d be a good fit with: 

• Ph.D. in Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or Quantitative Finance Theory.
• 18+ years of research experience in quantum information, complexity theory, cryptography, or mathematical physics.
• Proven record of building and scaling global R&D or engineering organizations in high-technology or research-intensive fields.
• Deep expertise in quantum information theory, algorithm design, high-performance computing, and quantum software systems.
• Demonstrated understanding of financial modeling, stochastic processes, risk management, and optimization frameworks.
• Experience leading large-scale collaborations between academia, government, and industry.
• Strong familiarity with quantum programming frameworks (e.g., IonQ SDK, Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane).
• A recognized publication or patent record in quantum algorithms, computational finance, or applied AI/ML.
• Exceptional executive communication skills — capable of influencing both technical teams and C-suite stakeholders.
  
  

You’d be a great fit with: 

• Experience leading global partnerships or consortia related to quantum computing or financial innovation.
• Background in commercialization of R&D or technology transfer from research to product.
• Prior involvement with regulatory or policy groups in quantum or financial technology domains.

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:  1222

The approximate base salary range for this position is $247,781 - $324,409. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, and equity.

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!