"Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Algorithms and Quantum Information Science for Quantum Field Theoretic Applications to Condensed Matter, Nuclear, and High Energy Physics"

JOB DESCRIPTION

The positions being advertised are under the aegis of the Co-Design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) at BNL, C2QA coordinates a team of leading experts from national laboratories, academic institutions, and industry partners, assembled to address challenges facing scalable quantum computing and provide breakthroughs to strengthen U.S. leadership in QIST. The C2QA scientific mission is to deliver advances in materials science and modular architectures that enable scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing and quantum-limited sensing. The research program is organized around two large-scale focused efforts: achieving quantum advantage through coherence-driven materials design and realizing scalable, modular quantum systems. These efforts integrate vertical co-design, from materials to algorithms, and cross-platform co-design across superconducting, neutral atom, and diamond-based systems, guided by quantitative resource estimates targeting DOE-priority scientific applications.

The specific focus of these positions will be on the design of quantum algorithms/co-design of quantum error correcting codes and related quantum information science questions appropriate for nuclear, high energy, and condensed matter applications. The scientists at BNL who are part of C2QA's theory and algorithm thrust span these different domains in physics. We are thus particularly interested in candidates interested in building bridges between these sub-areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate who is interested in the development of quantum algorithms and related quantum informatic questions appropriate for nuclear, high energy, and condensed matter problems. The successful candidate will operate in a friendly and dynamic team environment and will collaborate with theory members of the team across disciplinary boundaries.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Physics or related discipline is required within the last 5 years.
• Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills, be self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff is required.
• Candidates should have proven ability for disseminating research results by writing manuscripts and giving academic presentations.
• Trained as a theorist in either condensed matter, nuclear, or high energy physics
• Interested in quantum algorithm and quantum informatic research that cuts across the different subareas of physics
• Able to work closely and communicate effectively with colleagues focused on other theoretical techniques

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Some experience with quantum algorithms and quantum information science research
• Expertise in tensor networks and matrix product states
• Expertise in quantum platform software such as Qiskit or cuda-q

Other Information:

• While principally based at Brookhaven National Laboratory, candidates should be willing to travel to carry out experiments at various national and international facilities.
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $75,000 - $81,000 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.