Postdoctoral Researcher: Quantum Algorithm Engineering for Hamiltonian Simulation

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 87,300 - 106,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance

Flexible schedules and parental leave

Tuition assistance and relocation support

Job summary

A national laboratory in New Mexico is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to advance quantum computing through theoretical and computational methods. Candidates must have a recent PhD in Computer Sciences or related fields, as well as programming experience. Responsibilities include developing analytical tools and exploring new quantum algorithms. The position offers competitive salaries starting at $97,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This role is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge simulations in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed within the last 5 years.
• Demonstrated experience in original scientific research through publications.
• Solid background in quantum algorithms and computation.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel analytical tools for quantum simulations.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team on quantum computing projects.
• Explore development of new quantum algorithms.

Skills

Programming and simulation experience (Python, Julia, etc.)

Excellent communication and writing skills

Ability to work independently and in a team

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Materials Science, or related physical sciences

Tools

High Performance Computing (HPC)

Tensor Networks

Job description

What You Will Do

The Information Sciences Group (CAI-3) in the Computing and Artificial Intelligence Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral research associate position at the intersection of quantum computing, quantum algorithms, and quantum machine learning with a focus on simulation of many-body quantum systems through Hamiltonian simulation and optimization problems. Successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary team advancing quantum simulations by combining theoretical and computational methods. A central goal is to develop novel analytical tools and new workflows to leverage existing AI tools to analyze and optimize quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers. The postdoctoral researcher will also explore the development of new quantum algorithms and discover new quantum computing use cases.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Materials Science, or related physical sciences, completed within the last 5 years.
• Programming and simulation experience (Python, Julia, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publication records.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Solid background in quantum algorithms, quantum computation, quantum information, and quantum communication.
• Demonstrated experience in quantum simulation techniques (preferably with tensor networks but other methods such as Monte Carlo, Pauli Propagation, etc., are welcome).
• Experience with fault-tolerant quantum simulations of many-body systems.
• Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU programming.
• The ability to work creatively and independently as well as learn and collaborate with experts as a part of a diverse multi-disciplinary team.
• Hands-on experience running experiments on cloud-based quantum devices.
• Ability to adapt to new requirements for projects and be flexible enough to learn new concepts.

Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Directors Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, or J. Robert Oppenheimer Fellowships. For general information refer to the Postdoctoral Program webpage.

Work Environment

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Note to Applicants

• The appointment is for a duration of two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension based on performance evaluation.
• Candidates may be considered for a fellowship supported by the Center for Nonlinear Studies (CNLS). Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship or for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.
• For more information about the Postdoc Program, please go to the LANL Postdoctoral Program page at https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/postdoctoral-research

Contact

• Stephan Eidenbenz ([e-mail])

Salary

Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed, or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a fresh PhD is currently $97,000. For more information go to the LANL Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php

Compliance

Note: Certain U.S. federal restrictions apply regarding access to facilities and national security considerations. No security clearance is required for this position. Selected candidates may be subject to background checks and drug testing.

Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parental leave, retirement contributions, tuition assistance, flexible schedules, PTO/holidays, onsite gyms, wellness programs, and relocation support where applicable.

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating the employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. This requirement applies to U.S. citizens; foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A. No clearance is required. The Laboratory conducts pre-employment drug testing and background checks. Equal Opportunity: LANL is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available upon request by emailing [e-mail] or calling [phone].

How to Apply and Account Information: LANL provides instructions for activating/creating a LANL jobs account and applying to jobs. If you experience technical issues, please email [e-mail] for assistance.