Post Doctorate Research Associate- Quantum Computing

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 69,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national laboratory in Providence, RI, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Computing. This role involves innovative research on quantum technologies, collaboration with experts, and opportunities for mentoring. Candidates should possess a Ph.D. and experience in quantum error correction. The position offers a competitive salary range of $69,000 - $119,100 per year.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Flexible work schedules

Tuition assistance

401(k) savings plan with company match

Qualifications

• PhD within the past five years or will obtain within eight months from an accredited institution.
• Experience with near-term quantum hardware desirable.
• Strong publication record in quantum computing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research in quantum computing.
• Mentor interns and collaborate with research teams.
• Publish and present research findings in leading venues.

Skills

Quantum error correction

Machine learning for quantum computing

Benchmarking and verification

Proficiency in Python

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics

Tools

Qiskit

Cirq

PennyLane

Job description

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate’s (PCSD’s) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people—experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.

The Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data Division (ACMDD) focuses on basic and applied computing research encompassing artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, computing technologies, and data and computational engineering. Our scientists and engineers apply end-to-end co-design principles to advance future energy-efficient computing systems and design the next generation of algorithms to analyze, model, understand, and control the behavior of complex systems in science, energy, and national security.

Responsibilities

The Future Computing Technologies Group within ACMDD is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Computing. This position offers the opportunity to conduct impactful research in collaboration with leading experts at PNNL and partner institutions, including a team based in New York City.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in one or more of the following areas:

• Quantum error correction, detection, and mitigation.
• Deployment of quantum algorithms and protocols on near-term hardware.
• Machine learning for quantum computing and simulation of quantum systems.
• Emerging quantum technologies such as neutral atom systems and erasure qubits.
• Benchmarking, verification, and validation toolkit development for quantum computing.
• Quantum resource estimation for NISQ and fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC).
• Quantum algorithm development, optimization, and circuit transpilation for NISQ and FTQC

Responsibilities will include:

• Conduct innovative research to advance the state of the art in one or more target areas, working in close collaboration with staff scientists.
• Mentor and collaborate with interns at PNNL, providing both scientific guidance and academic support.
• Publish research findings in leading computer architecture and physics venues such as ISCA, ASPLOS, MICRO, HPCA, PRX Quantum, Quantum, and npj Quantum Information.
• Present research progress and results during weekly team meetings and other technical forums.
• Collaborate with interns, postdocs, and staff scientists to help expand and strengthen PNNL’s quantum ecosystem and research capabilities.

The assignment duration is for two year

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Background in quantum error correction, algorithms, and circuit optimization.
• Experience with near-term quantum hardware (e.g., IBM, IonQ, Quantinuum, Rigetti, IQM).
• Familiarity with machine learning applications in quantum computing and simulation.
• Knowledge of emerging quantum technologies such as neutral atom systems or erasure qubits.
• Experience with benchmarking, verification, and resource estimation for NISQ and FTQC platforms.
• Proficiency in Python and quantum software frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane).
• Strong publication record and ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [e-mail] .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

• If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401(k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $69,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $119,100.00/Yr.