Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Algorithms for Materials Simulations

Requisition Id 15721 

­Overview:  
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will contribute to the development and implementation of novel quantum algorithms for materials simulation, with a particular emphasis on error-corrected methods for future fault-tolerant quantum computing. The algorithms will be designed to address key models of quantum materials, such as the Hubbard model, with the goal of demonstrating a path towards fault-tolereant quantum advantage in simulating complex material systems. The position will involve a combination of algorithmic design, numerical implementation on hybrid quantum-classical hardware, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of researchers in quantum computing and computational condensed matter physics. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quantum computing, computational physics, and a solid understanding of condensed matter quantum many-body theory. 

This position resides within the Quantum Computational Science group in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). CSED focuses on transdisciplinary computational science and analytics at scale to enable scientific discovery across the physical sciences, engineered systems, and biomedicine and health. It provides foundations and advances in quantum information sciences to enable quantum computers, devices, and networked systems. It develops community applications, data assets, and technologies and provides assurance to build knowledge and impact in novel, crosscut-science outcomes. The position is supported by the Quantum Science Center, a Department of Energy (DOE) National Quantum Information Science Research Center. In this multi-institutional cross-disciplinary center, the successful candidate will engage with a network of universities, national laboratories, and industrial partners to develop a scientific ecosystem for fault-tolerant quantum-accelerated high-performance computing (QHPC).
 
Major Duties/Responsibilities:  
•    Design and test novel quantum algorithms for materials simulations.
•    Develop resource estimates for implementing these algorithms on quantum hardware
•    Perform hybrid quantum-classical simulations for fermionic and Hubbard-like materials models
•    Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary research environment consisting of quantum computing experts, computational scientists, and condensed matter physicsis to link models and algorithms with innovative materials simulations.
•    Author peer reviewed papers for internal and external release as well as represent the organization via technical presentations in workshops and conferences.

Basic Qualifications:
•    Ph.D. in physics, computer science, or a field relevant to the job duties within the past 5 years.
•    Strong background in quantum computing and quantum algorithms
•    Background in quantum many-body theory for condensed matter systems
•    Experience in the development of quantum algorithms to study model Hamiltonians.

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Experience with error-corrected methods for fault-tolerant quantum computing.
•    Experience with common quantum programming languages 
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team
•    Experience working in a multi-disciplinary research environment.
•    Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, a proven publication record, and effective interpersonal skills.

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 two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent 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

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) 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.  This investigation includes 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.  

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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.

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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.

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.