Quantum Information Postdoctoral Researcher

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 87,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid parental leave

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules

Onsite gym

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in quantum computing and quantum information theory within the CAI-3 group of the Computing and Artificial Intelligence Division, focused on early fault-tolerant quantum computing.

The successful candidate will work independently and with a team to develop theory, simulations, and algorithms for first-generation fault-tolerant devices, report results, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Materials Science, or related physical science, completed within the last 5 years or soon.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on quantum computing and information theory.
• Develop theoretical and computational tools for early fault-tolerant quantum devices.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaborate effectively

Communication skills

Writing abilities

Education

PhD in Physics/Math/CS/Materials Science

Tools

Quantum algorithms

Quantum simulations

Job description

What You Will Do

The Information Sciences Group (CAI-3) in the Computing and Artificial Intelligence Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is currently seeking highly motivated applicants for a postdoctoral position in quantum computing and quantum information theory, with an emphasis on early fault-tolerant quantum computing. LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. The successful candidate for this role will work independently and as part of a team on numerous aspects of quantum computing and quantum information. A main goal is to produce the foundational research needed to understand the full potential and limitations of quantum information processing using first generation fault-tolerant quantum devices that are expected to have a limited number of logical qubits. Research topics may include quantum error correction, logical error analysis, fault-tolerant protocols and architectures, resource estimation, and the development of algorithms and applications suited to the early fault-tolerant regime. The candidate will develop theoretical and computational tools to assess when and how such systems can provide scientifically meaningful capabilities, and will communicate research results through reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

What You Will Do

The Information Sciences Group (CAI-3) in the Computing and Artificial Intelligence Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is currently seeking highly motivated applicants for a postdoctoral position in quantum computing and quantum information theory, with an emphasis on early fault-tolerant quantum computing. LANL is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in science and engineering on behalf of national security. The successful candidate for this role will work independently and as part of a team on numerous aspects of quantum computing and quantum information. A main goal is to produce the foundational research needed to understand the full potential and limitations of quantum information processing using first generation fault-tolerant quantum devices that are expected to have a limited number of logical qubits. Research topics may include quantum error correction, logical error analysis, fault-tolerant protocols and architectures, resource estimation, and the development of algorithms and applications suited to the early fault-tolerant regime. The candidate will develop theoretical and computational tools to assess when and how such systems can provide scientifically meaningful capabilities, and will communicate research results through reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.

What You Need

• A Ph.D. in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Materials Science, or related physical science, completed within the last 5 years or to be completed soon.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publication records.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Desired Qualifications

In addition to the minimum requirements, the following qualifications are desired, and preference will be given to candidates satisfying (at least one) of them:

• Solid background in quantum algorithms, quantum computation and quantum information.
• Experience with early fault-tolerant quantum simulations of many-body systems.
• Demonstrated experience in quantum simulation techniques.
• The ability to work creatively and independently as well as learn and collaborate with experts as a 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 skills.

Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, or J. Robert Oppenheimer Fellowships. For general information refer to the Postdoctoral Program webpage.

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 be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship or 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

• Dr. Cinthia Huerta Alderete ([e-mail])
• Andrew Sornborger ([e-mail])

Salary

Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed, or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a fresh PhD is currently $97,000. For more information go to 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-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 NCSA 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 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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.