Quantum Computing Simulation Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); Hybrid; USD 9,000 - 10,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional health benefits

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to develop algorithms for simulating magnetic materials, perform large-scale classical simulations on the upcoming Doudna supercomputer, and run circuits on quantum hardware.

You will collaborate with NERSC staff, LLNL, and Quera to analyze performance, and validate algorithms.

Qualifications

• PhD awarded within the last five years in Physics, Computational Chemistry, Computational Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Programming experience in one or more of: Python, C++, Fortran, Julia.
• Ability to work effectively on interdisciplinary teams.
• Clear written and oral communication with a record of leading and reporting results.
• Knowledge of quantum computing algorithms.
• Familiarity with tensor network methods.
• Experience programming GPUs.
• Experience implementing, optimizing, or integrating quantum libraries such as Itensor, CUDA-Q, Qiskit, or PennyLane.
• Experience debugging and profiling distributed-memory parallel applications.
• Knowledge of Git and modern software practices such as unit testing, CI/CD, and collaborative development.

Responsibilities

• Develop algorithms for magnetic materials: dynamics.
• Analyze and optimize quantum-related workflows, including classical simulation of quantum systems.
• Develop and apply advanced workflow capabilities such as on-system classical simulations.
• Publish and present results in peer-reviewed venues and conferences.
• Validate results on quantum hardware.

Skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Clear written and oral communication

Education

PhD awarded within the last five years in Physics, Computational Science, or related field

Tools

Python

C++

Fortran

Julia

Itensor

CUDA-Q

Qiskit

PennyLane

Job description

The National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Berkeley Lab seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher - Quantum Computing Simulation postdoctoral fellow to join NERSC's Quantum team to help develop algorithms for simulating magnetic materials, perform classical simulations at scale on the upcoming Doudna supercomputer, and running circuits on quantum hardware. You'll collaborate with NERSC staff and scientists, and partners at LLNL and Quera to analyze performance, perform resource estimation, and validate algorithms on hardware.

Why join Berkeley Lab?

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

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

You will:

• Develop algorithms for magnetic materials: dynamics
• Analyze and optimize quantum-related workflows, including classical simulation of quantum systems
• Develop and apply advanced workflow capabilities such as on-system classical simulations
• Publish and present results in peer-reviewed venues and conferences. Engage in community knowledge-sharing (e.g., tutorials for the NERSC user base)
• Validate results on quantum hardware

We are looking for:

• PhD awarded within the last five years in Physics, Computational Chemistry, Computational Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
• Programming experience in one or more of: Python, C++, Fortran, Julia
• Ability to work effectively on interdisciplinary teams
• Clear written and oral communication with a record of leading and reporting results
• Knowledge of quantum computing algorithms

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Familiarity with tensor network methods
• Experience programming GPUs
• Experience implementing, optimizing, or integrating quantum libraries such as Itensor, CUDA-Q, Qiskit, or PennyLane
• Experience debugging and profiling distributed-memory parallel applications
• Knowledge of Git and modern software practices such as unit testing, CI/CD, and collaborative development

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by August 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed
• Appointment type: This is a full-time, 3 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 2 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: This position requires substantial on-site presence, but is eligible for a flexible work mode, and hybrid schedules may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA and some telework. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs
• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes

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.