Quantum Algorithm Engineering for Hamiltonian Simulation (Scientist 2)

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO/HD medical insurance

Dental & vision insurance

Learning opportunities & tuition

401(k) with matching

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks outstanding candidates to join the Computing and Artificial Intelligence (CAI) Division for research in quantum computing, quantum algorithm engineering, and quantum machine learning. You will pursue original research in quantum simulation, develop analytical tools, and design workflows using AI to optimize quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant devices.

This role emphasizes Hamiltonian simulation as a central paradigm and requires strong programming,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with at least 4 years of related experience; post-doctoral research is common.
• Demonstrated record of original scientific research through peer‑reviewed publications.
• Strong programming and simulation skills in Python or similar languages.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research advancing quantum simulation techniques and algorithms.
• Develop analytical tools and workflows leveraging AI to optimize quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers.
• Collaborate across disciplines to apply quantum computing to AI and materials science.
• Communicate results effectively through publications and presentations.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Programming (Python/Julia)

HPC/GPU

Qiskit/PennyLane/cuda-q

AI for QC / Quantum ML

Research publications

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM + 4 years experience

Tools

Qiskit

PennyLane

cuda-q

Job description

What You Will Do

The Computing and Artificial Intelligence (CAI) Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) seeks outstanding candidates to join our vibrant multidisciplinary research team that explores topics in quantum computing, quantum algorithm engineering, AI for quantum algorithm design, and quantum machine learning. Successful candidates will conduct original research that advances the state-of-the-art in quantum simulation through both theoretical and computational activities. A central goal for this work will be to develop novel analytical tools and new workflows that leverage AI tools and methods to analyze and optimize quantum algorithms for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Hamiltonian Simulation will be the central quantum computing paradigm for most of this work, which will require flexibility to learn new concepts from quantum computing application domains.

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in the fields of quantum algorithms and quantum computation, particularly in Hamiltonian simulation techniques.
• Strong programming and simulation experience (e.g., Python, Julia, etc.).
• Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU programming.
• Familiarity with Quantum Computing software stacks and tools (e.g., QISKIT, PennyLane, cuda-q).
• Experience with methods relevant to the AI and Quantum Computing nexus, such as LLM and transformer-based techniques for quantum algorithm design and analysis ("AI for Quantum Computing") and/or Quantum Machine Learning, Quantum Data Learning, or Quantum Natural Language Processing ("Quantum Computing for AI").
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publication records.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, as evidenced by publications and presentations.

Education/Experience: Positions requires a Bachelor' degree in a STEM field from an accredited college and university and 4 years of related experience, typically with post-doctoral research experience at a university or national lab or equivalent experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Hands-on experience running experiments on cloud-based quantum devices.
• Technical understanding of Quantum Error Correction schemes with a focus on their relevance to fault-tolerant quantum algorithm design.
• Demonstrated experience in classical simulation techniques of quantum computing challenges (e.g, state vector simulation, tensor networks, DMRG, quantum Monte Carlo, etc.).
• Active Q clearance, or the ability to obtain a Q clearance.
• Preference will be given to applicants with a Ph.D. in Computer Sciences, Mathematics, or related physical sciences, having two years of postdoctoral experience.

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.

Position commitment

Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

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-as well as 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.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

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.

Incentive Compensation Program: Position is eligible to participate in the Triad Incentive Compensation Program. You must be in an eligible position for a minimum of 3 months, before July 1st and remain in an eligible position as of the end of the fiscal year, September 30th. The annual distribution is prorated based on the number of months in the eligible position.

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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.