Postdoctoral Research Associate - Scientific Validation of Quantum Simulations

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Parental Leave

Wellness Programs

Job summary

UT‑Battelle is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance the validation of quantum simulations for quantum materials at ORNL. You will benchmark against experimental measurements and classical simulations, develop reliable methods, and push toward fault-tolerant regimes while collaborating with a broad scientific community.

The role involves publishing results, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing to a growing quantum science ecosystem within the Quantum Sensing and

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Familiarity with quantum computing and/or digital quantum simulation theory and practice.
• Familiarity with quantum and classical programming languages and scientific computing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, testing, and application of rigorous evaluation and validation of quantum simulations for quantum materials.
• Extend methodologies to fault-tolerant quantum simulations and explore classically intractable regimes.
• Develop physics-informed AI/ML and digital-twin capabilities to improve modeling, inference, uncertainty, and adaptive feedback between experiments and simulations.
• Collaborate with ORNL staff scientists and external collaborators.
• Publish peer-reviewed articles and present findings at major conferences.
• Align actions with ORNL’s values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Skills

Quantum computing

Digital quantum simulation

AI/ML capabilities

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

Python

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance the scientific validation of quantum simulations for quantum materials. This work directly supports the five-year mission of the ORNL Quantum Science Center (QSC) to establish a quantum-accelerated computing ecosystem for scientific applications. The successful candidate will develop, test, and evaluate the scientific applications by comparing results from quantum simulations directly with experimental measurements and classical simulations of quantum materials. This work will include benchmarking simulations by using reliable classical reference calculations and extending toward more challenging regimes. As part of our team, you will work closely with ORNL staff and external collaborators in quantum computing, condensed-matter physics, neutron scattering, applied mathematics, and scientific computing.

This position resides within the Quantum Sensing and Computing Group in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED), Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead the development, testing, and application of rigorous approaches for the evaluation and validation of quantum simulations of quantum materials, including realistic treatment of uncertatinty and systematic error across experimental, classical computing, and quantum computing workflows.
• Extend the methodology to early fault-tolerant quantum simulations and, ultimately, to classically intractable regimes, establishing the rigorous evidence needed to support credible claims of quantum advantage.
• Develop and apply physics-informed AI/ML and digital-twin capabilities to improve modeling, parameter inference, uncertainty assessment, and adaptive feedback between experiments, classical simulations, and quantum simulations.
• Collaborate with ORNL staff scientists and external collaborators.
• Write peer-reviewed scientific articles and present research findings at major scientific conferences.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with quantum computing and/or digital quantum simulation theory and practice.
• Familiarity with quantum and classical programming languages and scientific computing.

Preferred Qualifications

We welcome candidates with strengths in several of the following areas; no single candidate is expected to bring expertise in all of them:

• Experience developing or implementing quantum algorithms for Hamiltonian simulation.
• Background in quantum materials or quantum many-body physics, particularly quantum magnetism and strongly correlated systems, as well as classical methods such as exact diagonalization, tensor networks or DMRG, and quantum Monte Carlo.
• Familiarity with inelastic neutron scattering, thermal transport, or related experimental probes, including the effects of instrumental resolution, data reduction, and observable reconstruction.
• Experience with uncertainty quantification, covariance modeling, sensitivity and robustness analysis, Bayesian inference, inverse problems, parameter estimation, or model validation.
• Experience or strong interest in scientific AI/ML, including surrogate or multi-fidelity modeling, digital twins, generative models, adaptive optimization, or autonomous experiment–simulation workflows.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes 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) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT‑Battelle is an E‑Verify employer.