Quantum Algorithms Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and retirement benefits

Parental bonding leave

Pet insurance

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA, seeks a Quantum Algorithms Postdoctoral Fellow for the QC3 program. You will develop scalable quantum subspace methods and validate experiments on neutral atom-based QPUs.

The role emphasizes numerical linear algebra, circuit design, and error mitigation, with a strong emphasis on publishing results and collaborating across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Computational Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research in quantum algorithms, ideally for chemistry or materials science.
• Strong background in numerical linear algebra, including matrix decompositions, iterative methods, and optimization.
• Experience compiling quantum algorithms and running experiments on quantum hardware.
• Proven scientific writing track record with first-author publications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop efficient Krylov-inspired quantum subspace methods.
• Design, compile, and optimize quantum circuits for neutral atom QPUs.
• Develop partial quantum error correction and error mitigation techniques.
• Collaborate across mathematics, CS, physics, and domain science teams.
• Disseminate findings via publications and conferences.

Skills

Quantum algorithms

Numerical linear algebra

Scientific writing

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Applied Math/CS/Physics/Computational Chemistry

Tools

MATLAB

Python

Qiskit

MPI/OpenMP/CUDA

Job description

Berkeley Lab's Applied Mathematics and Computational Research Division has an opening in the Scalable Solvers Group for a Quantum Algorithms Postdoctoral Fellow under the Quantum Computing for Computational Chemistry (QC3) program. You will conduct research on the development of quantum subspace algorithms for superconducting materials discovery and perform experimental validation on neutral atom-based QPUs.

You will:

• Develop efficient and scalable Krylov-inspired quantum subspace methods.
• Design, compile, and optimize quantum circuits for execution on neutral atom-based QPUs.
• Develop and evaluate partial quantum error correction and error mitigation techniques compatible with current and emerging quantum hardware.
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary research environment with mathematicians, computer scientists, physicists, and domain scientists.
• Disseminate research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at leading conferences.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Computational Chemistry, Physics, or a relevant field.
• Demonstrated research experience in the development of quantum algorithms, preferably for quantum chemistry or materials science applications.
• Strong background in numerical linear algebra, including matrix decompositions, iterative methods, approximation theory, and optimization.
• Experience in compiling quantum algorithms and executing experiments on quantum hardware.
• Demonstrated track record of scientific writing evidenced by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Knowledge of randomized numerical linear algebra and randomized algorithms.
• Experience with performance optimization of scientific software is desirable.
• Proficiency in scientific programming using MATLAB/Python/Qiskit and MPI/OpenMP/Cuda.

This position has an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by September 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• Salary range: The salary range for this position is $8,570 - $9,935 and is expected to start at $8,570 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit:

careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.