Research Associate in Quantum Computing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prescription Drug Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Contributory Pension Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Benefits

Generous Vacation and Holidays

Parental Leave

Legal Insurance

Employee Assistance Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Health Savings Accounts

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a research scientist to develop and benchmark quantum algorithms for material science simulations. The role involves collaborating with ORNL staff and external partners, interpreting computational results, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in a relevant field and familiarity with quantum computing. Benefits include healthcare plans, retirement options, generous vacation, and educational assistance.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in related field.
• Familiarity with quantum computing theory and practice.
• Familiarity with programming languages and scientific computing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and benchmark quantum algorithms for simulations.
• Interpret quantum computational results with respect to experimental data.
• Collaborate with scientists and write scientific articles.

Skills

Quantum computing theory

Scientific programming languages

AI/ML methods

Modern software development practices

Excellent communication skills

Education

Ph.D. degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Qiskit

CirQ

pytket

Python

Julia

Fortran

C++

Job description

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop, Implement, and/or benchmark quantum algorithms for material science simulation on early fault-tolerant quantum computers, within an emerging hybrid quantum-classical software ecosystem.
• Quantitatively compare and interpret quantum computational results with respect to experimental data and/or classical theory/simulation.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• A Ph.D. degree in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with quantum computing theory and practice.
• Familiarity with quantum and classical programming languages and scientific computing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience in condensed matter physics.
• Minimum of one year experience implementing quantum computations on commercial quantum computers using standard toolkits and libraries (Qiskit, CirQ, pytket, etc.).
• Minimum of one year experience in modern open-source software development practices.
• Fluency in multiple scientific programming languages (e.g. Python, Julia, Fortran, C++) and awareness of AI-assisted coding techniques.
• Interest in applying AI/ML methods to scientific validation, uncertainty quantification, robustness analysis, surrogate modeling, or adaptive feedback/optimization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever‑changing needs.

Special Requirements

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD‑12 PIV badge and a Real ID compliant form of identification. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation, including a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year (this includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws). For foreign national candidates, if you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site‑Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT‑Battelle is an E‑Verify employer.