Senior Director, Quantum Finance Theory
IonQ
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Bothell • Maryland, Washington • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteSalary
💰 $247,781 - $324,409 per year
Job Level
Senior
About the role
- 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.
Requirements
- 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.
Benefits
- comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
- matching 401K
- unlimited PTO and paid holidays
- parental/adoption leave
- legal insurance
- a home internet stipend
- pet insurance
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
quantum complexity theorycryptographyquantum informationmany-body physicsquantum simulationpost-quantum cryptographyquantum finance theoryalgorithm designhigh-performance computingfinancial modeling
Soft skills
leadershipmentoringcommunicationstrategic thinkingcollaborationinnovationpeople managementperformance managementteam buildingexecutive influence
Certifications
Ph.D. in PhysicsPh.D. in Computer SciencePh.D. in Applied MathematicsPh.D. in Quantitative Finance Theory