Postdoctoral Research Associate – Quantum Computing

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Requisition Id 13817 

Overview:  

The Quantum Computational Science Group (https://www.ornl.gov/group/quantum-comp-science) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks candidates for a postdoctoral research assistant in quantum computing theory and applications. This position resides in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division of the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate.

The mission of the Quantum Computational Science Group is to develop quantum computing capabilities for important problems in basic and applied science. As part of our research team you will help analyze, develop, and benchmark quantum computational methods using a variety of state-of-the-art quantum processors and high-performance digital computing facilities. You will perform original analysis and research in one or more of the following areas: quantum algorithms, quantum programming and compilation, fault tolerance, modeling and simulation, resource estimation, and scalable characterization and verification. Application areas include many-body physics and chemistry, machine learning, and optimization.  

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are essential for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Develop, implement, benchmark, and advance quantum computational methods using state-of-the-art quantum processors and high-performance digital computing facilities
  • Interpret, report, and present research concepts and results to national audiences at all levels
  • Write peer-reviewed papers and technical reports for internal and external release and give technical presentations in public forums
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • PhD in quantum computing or related discipline such as physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering completed within the last five years.
  • Previous theoretical and/or computational research experience in quantum computing or a related field
  • Working knowledge of quantum mechanics

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency in common scientific programming languages (such as C/C++, Python, and/or Julia) and systems (version control, etc.)
  • 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:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include the following: 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, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


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.

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