Postdoctoral Researcher: Quantum Algorithm Engineering for Hamiltonian Simulation

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos (NM)

On-site

USD 87,300 - 106,700

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

PPO or High Deductible medical insurance
Dental and vision insurance
Paid childbirth and parental leave
401(k) matching
Tuition assistance
Onsite gyms and wellness programs

Job summary

A leading national research laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to work at the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in relevant fields, with strong programming skills in Python or Julia, and experience in quantum algorithms. The position offers opportunities for research in a cutting-edge interdisciplinary team and competitive salary starting at $97,000. Outstanding candidates may be considered for prestigious fellowships.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. completed in the last 5 years.
  • Proven research experience with publications.
  • Ability to work creatively and independently.

Responsibilities

  • Develop novel analytical tools for quantum algorithms.
  • Join a multidisciplinary team advancing quantum simulations.
  • Explore new quantum computing use cases.

Skills

Programming and simulation experience (Python, Julia, etc.)
Excellent communication and writing skills
Background in quantum algorithms
Experience with quantum simulation techniques
Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU programming

Education

Ph.D. in Computer Sciences, Mathematics, or related field

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 the 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 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 Director's Fellowship and for the prestigious Darleane Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, or J. Robert Oppenheimer Fellowships.

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 also be considered 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 https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/postdoctoral-research
Contact
  • Stephan Eidenbenz (eidenben@lanl.gov)
Salary

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

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China (including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau) and citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders), are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

New‑Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Internal Applicants

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.

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