Quantum Systems Accelerator - Postdoctoral Scholar

Quantum Systems Accelerator – Postdoctoral Scholar

Join to apply for the Quantum Systems Accelerator – Postdoctoral Scholar role at Berkeley Lab
.

The National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has an opening in the Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) for a Postdoctoral Scholar in support of the Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA), one of the five Department of Energy Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers. The current project focuses on quantifying and measuring progress toward quantum computational utility by designing high‑level benchmarks and performance models that predict the performance of a quantum computer for a set of challenge problems.

The project combines theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and validation on quantum hardware and will be a deeply collaborative effort as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Develop novel simulation models for quantum computer systems that predict performance of quantum error‑correction (QEC) gadgets and schemes.
• Design performance models to predict the utility of quantum computers for target applications.
• Collaborate with theorists and experimentalists to validate models against experimental data.
• Investigate pathways for quantum‑HPC deployments, including viability criteria and operational requirements.
• Publish scientific papers and give presentations.

• Ph.D. degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Experience independently planning and completing projects.
• Relevant publication record and demonstration of proficient written and verbal presentation of scientific results.
• Knowledge of quantum information science related to one or more of the following research areas:
  • Modeling and simulation of quantum computer systems for predicting performance.
  • Scalable methods for characterizing quantum computer performance on target applications.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and distributed team.
• Ability to prepare periodic updates (written and oral) for internal and external reviews or reports.
• Proficient with Python, Julia or other high‑level programming languages.

• Knowledgeable about contemporary approaches to quantum error correction and quantum resource estimation.
• Expertise with quantum‑HPC integration.
• Knowledgeable about quantum computer architecture stacks.

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on: exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401(k)-style plans; a culture where you’ll belong – we are invested in our teams; accruing vacation and sick time, with a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year; parental bonding leave for both mothers and fathers.

• Appointment type: full‑time, 2‑year postdoctoral appointment with possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary depends on years of experience post‑degree.
• Salary range: $8,570.00 – $9,935.00, expected to start at $8,570.00 or above.
• Background check: subject to a background check; convictions evaluated for relevance.
• Work modality: position requires substantial on‑site presence but eligible for flexible work mode; hybrid schedules may be considered for those residing within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab.
• Union represented: position represented by a union for collective bargaining.
• Export control: position involves access to hardware, commodities, and technical information subject to export control regulations; hiring decisions may depend on U.S. citizenship or eligible status.

Visit careers.lbl.gov
.

The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values:
Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who…