Postdoctoral Researcher: Quantum Simulations Validation

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible hours

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance the scientific validation of quantum simulations for quantum materials. You will develop, test, and benchmark simulations against experimental measurements and classical references.

The appointment integrates with the QSC and involves collaboration across disciplines, writing peer‑reviewed papers and contributing to a growing quantum‑computing ecosystem at ORNL.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. 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.

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 uncertainty 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.

Skills

Quantum computing familiarity

Digital quantum simulation theory

Scientific computing

Python

Uncertainty quantification

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Applied Mathematics

PhD in Computer Science

Tools

Qiskit

Cirq

Python

TensorFlow

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance the scientific validation of quantum simulations for quantum materials. You will develop, test, and benchmark simulations against experimental measurements and classical references.

The appointment integrates with the QSC and involves collaboration across disciplines, writing peer‑reviewed papers and contributing to a growing quantum‑computing ecosystem at ORNL.