Research Associate in Quantum Computing

Requisition Id 16734 

Overview:

We are seeking Research Associates to advance, implement, and evaluate scalable quantum algorithms for material simulation. This work directly supports the 5-year mission of the ORNL Quantum Science Center (QSC) to establish a quantum-accelerated computing ecosystem for scientific applications. As part of our team you will work closely with ORNL staff and external collaborators on some or all of the following tasks: developing quantum algorithms for simulation of quantum spin systems; programming such algorithms in an emerging cohesive software ecosystem; benchmarking quantum simulations on early-fault tolerant quantum processors and on high performance computing-based emulators; and quantitatively comparing quantum computational results against experimental measurements such as inelastic neutron scattering or thermal transport. 

This position resides within the Quantum Computational Science Group in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (CSED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). CSED performs transdisciplinary computational science and analytics at scale to produce advancements in physical sciences, engineering, and biomedicine and health. The Quantum Computational Science group addresses this mission through the development of quantum computational methods and software for diverse scientific applications.

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.

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.

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.