Senior R&D Scientist

IonQ, Inc. is a leading quantum‑technology company that provides integrated solutions for computing, networking, sensing and security, with its headquarters in College Park, Maryland and a global presence that includes sites in Europe and Asia. The Senior R&D Scientist will join the team that advances IonQ’s superconducting nanowire single‑photon detector (SNSPD) platform, based in Geneva. In this position you will design and drive new testing strategies for SNSPD devices, aiming to increase both scalability and throughput. You will re‑evaluate current characterization methods and may move toward wafer‑level testing, while building and running optical and cryogenic measurement rigs for device evaluation. Daily work includes turning complex measurement data into actionable insights that inform device design and process refinements, conducting experiments to map performance limits and variability across wafers, and working hand‑in‑hand with fabrication, packaging and system groups to align testing with production flows. All procedures, results and best practices must be recorded in a clear, reusable format. The role requires a master’s degree in physics, engineering or a closely related discipline and at least three years of hands‑on experience in experimental physics or a similar field. Candidates must have a proven track record of testing and characterising optical or photonic components, a solid grasp of measurement science and metrology, and the ability to design or improve experimental setups. Strong data‑analysis capabilities, autonomous work habits, and effective collaboration across multidisciplinary teams are essential, as is fluency in English; French is a plus. Additional strengths include a PhD or extensive industry experience of five years or more, and a deep practical background in optics or photonics experimentation. The Geneva location offers the chance to work within a cross‑functional group focused on scaling cutting‑edge quantum‑hardware technologies. Compensation is adjusted for education, experience, location and market benchmarks.