Quantum Computing and Early Fault-Tolerant Simulations

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position

The Information Sciences Group (CAI-3) in the Computing and Artificial Intelligence Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral research associate position at the intersection of quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, simulation of many-body quantum systems and early-fault tolerant quantum computing.

Successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary team advancing quantum simulations by combining theoretical and computational methods. A central goal is to bridge state-of-the-art classical techniques (tensor networks, Monte Carlo, Pauli Propagation, etc.) with early fault-tolerant quantum computers. The postdoctoral researcher will also explore the development of new quantum algorithms, and the use of quantum machine learning and resource theory approaches to reduce resource estimates and algorithmic costs. The postdoc will be co-mentored by staff members in Information Sciences Group (CAI-3) and T-4 (Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics) groups.

We provide unique opportunities for cross disciplinary collaborations, scientific workshop organization, and conference attendance.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• A Ph.D. in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Materials Science, or related physical sciences, completed within the last 5 years or to be completed soon.
• Programming and simulation experience (Python, Julia, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publication records.
• Excellent communication and writing skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Solid background in quantum algorithms, quantum computation and quantum information.
• Demonstrated experience in quantum simulation techniques (preferably with tensor networks but other methods such as Monte Carlo, Pauli Propagation, etc., are welcome).
• Experience with early fault-tolerant quantum simulations of many-body systems.
• Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU programming.
• 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.

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:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of 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.

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 go to Postdoc Program website.

Contact: Dr. Marco Cerezo (cerezo@lanl.gov) Dr. Lukasz Cincio (lcincio@lanl.gov)

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.

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 NNSA 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 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.