Is the Senior R&D Scientist role remote?

No — this is an on-site role in Geneva, Switzerland.

How much experience is required?

At least 3 years of relevant experience for this Senior R&D Scientist role.

Where is the role based?

IonQ is hiring for this position in Geneva, Switzerland.

What's the tech stack?

Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Engineering, Experimental Physics, Optics, Physics, metrology.

What seniority level is this role?

IonQ targets senior candidates for this position.

Is this full-time or contract?

Full-time for this Senior R&D Scientist role at IonQ.

Senior R&D Scientist at IonQ

Joblaze summary

The Senior R&D Scientist at IonQ focuses on developing advanced testing strategies for superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPD), emphasizing scalability and throughput. This role requires a strong background in experimental physics or engineering, particularly in optical and photonic systems, along with hands-on experience in measurement science. Ideal candidates will have a PhD or significant industry experience, enabling them to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams. IonQ's commitment to innovation in quantum technology positions this role at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 3, 2026. Last confirmed on IonQ's careers page October 3, 2026.
This exact title is also open at 1 other location at IonQ: Geneva, Switzerland.

Quick facts

Is the Senior R&D Scientist role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in Geneva, Switzerland.
How much experience is required?: At least 3 years of relevant experience for this Senior R&D Scientist role.
Where is the role based?: IonQ is hiring for this position in Geneva, Switzerland.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Engineering, Experimental Physics, Optics, Physics, metrology.
What seniority level is this role?: IonQ targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Senior R&D Scientist role at IonQ.

From the original posting

About IonQ:

What to expect

To support the next phase of growth of its SNSPD platform, IDQ is looking for a Senior R&D Scientist to join its team in Geneva. This role targets a highly motivated PhD-level candidate with a strong background in experimental physics, optics, or engineering, and a drive to rethink and scale testing methodologies for advanced photonic devices. The position focuses on developing and implementing next-generation testing and metrology approaches to enable scalable, reliable, and high-throughput characterization of SNSPD technologies. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of device physics, optical testing, and system-level thinking, in close collaboration with R&D, engineering, and industrialization teams.

What you'll be doing

Lead the development of advanced testing strategies for SNSPD devices, with a focus on scalability and throughput.
Rethink and optimize existing characterization methodologies, including possibly the transition toward wafer-level testing approaches.
Develop and operate optical and cryogenic measurement setups for device characterization.
Analyse and interpret complex datasets to guide device design and process improvements while driving experimental investigations to understand performance limits and variability across devices and wafers.
Collaborate closely with fabrication, packaging, and system teams to ensure test compatibility with manufacturing flows.
Document methodologies, results, and best practices in a structured and transferable way.

What you'll bring

Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
3+ years of experience in experimental physics or a related field.
Strong foundation in hands-on experimental work or engineering.
Proven experience testing and characterizing optical or photonic systems (e.g., optoelectronic devices, waveguides, or similar platforms).
Solid understanding of measurement science and metrology principles, with experience designing or improving experimental setups.
Strong data analysis skills, with the ability to extract meaningful insights from complex measurements.
Ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
Fluent in English, with French considered a plus.

You'll be a great fit with

A PhD or Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field.
A strong hands-on background in optics or photonics experimental work.
5+ years of experience working in industry.

Compensation will vary based on individual factors such as education, qualifications, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location, and calibration against relevant market data and internal team equity. Posted base salary figures are subject to change as new market data becomes available. Our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, matching 401(k), unlimited PTO and paid holidays, parental/adoption leave, legal insurance, and a home technology stipend. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided when a candidate receives an offer of employment.

Standard company text repeated across IonQ's postings is omitted here.

Senior R&D Scientist

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