Postdoctoral Associate/Senior Research Associate

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. invites applications for postdoctoral associate or research associate positions in Quantum Information Science at Virginia Tech. Candidates will engage in research on quantum computing, simulation, and networks, contributing to scientific publications. Applicants must have a relevant Ph.D. with strong skills in Quantum Mechanics and programming. The role offers collaboration with leading groups and participation in conferences. The position is exempt from overtime and requires a criminal conviction check.

Qualifications

• PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to appointment.
• Minimum one year eligibility remaining for postdoctoral position.
• Experience in Quantum Information Science preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in Quantum Information Science and related areas.
• Disseminate research results in publications and presentations.
• Mentor junior group members (Senior Research Associates).

Skills

Quantum Mechanics

Programming skills

Python

Mathematica

Education

Ph.D. in Quantum Information Science or related field

Job description

Job Description

We invite applications for postdoctoral associate or researchassociate positions in theoretical Quantum Information Science inthe Physics Department of Virginia Tech.

The focus of these positions will be on quantum computing andquantum simulation, quantum networks, and quantum control. Therewill also be an opportunity to test theoretical results on cloudquantum processors.

The successful candidates will join a vibrant research environmentin the quantum information groups of Profs. Sophia Economou andEdwin Barnes at Virginia Tech. There will be plenty ofopportunities for collaboration with other members of the group andwith some of the leading experimental and theory groups around theworld.

Our group is part of the DOE Quantum Center “Codesign forquantum advantage” (https://www.bnl.gov/quantumcenter/), and therewill be opportunities for collaboration with the researchers of thecenter. The Postdoctoral and Senior Research Associate positionswill also involve opportunities for travel to present inconferences and to collaborate with other groups. Postdoctoral andSenior Research Associates will conduct research in the above areasand disseminate results in journal publications and conferencepresentations. Senior Research Associates will have additionalresponsibilities with mentoring the junior group members andpotentially assisting the PIs with grant management.

Required Qualifications

• Postdoctoral associate applicants must hold a Ph.D. in either Quantum Information Science, Theoretical Condensed Matter, AMO Physics or a closely related field. PhD must be awarded no morethan four years prior to the effective date of appointment with aminimum of one year eligibility remaining. A strong background in Quantum Mechanics and programming skills are necessary.
• Senior research associate applicants must have a Ph.D. in either Quantum Information Science, Theoretical Condensed Matter, AMO Physics or a closely related field. Prior postdoctoral experience. A strong background in Quantum Mechanics and programming skills are necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of concepts and techniques from Quantum Information Science are preferred.
• Experience with Python and Mathematica is preferred.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Hours per week

40

Review Date

01/15/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.