Quantum Computing Simulation Postdoctoral Fellow

The National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Berkeley Lab seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher – Quantum Computing Simulation postdoctoral fellow to join NERSC’s Quantum team to help develop algorithms for simulating magnetic materials, perform classical simulations at scale on the upcoming Doudna supercomputer, and running circuits on quantum hardware. You’ll collaborate with NERSC staff and scientists, and partners at LLNL and Quera to analyze performance, perform resource estimation, and validate algorithms on hardware.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits
  , including pension or 401K-style plans
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

• Develop algorithms for magnetic materials: dynamics
• Analyze and optimize quantum-related workflows, including classical simulation of quantum systems.
• Develop and apply advanced workflow capabilities such as on-system classical simulations
• Publish and present results in peer-reviewed venues and conferences. Engage in community knowledge-sharing (e.g. tutorials for the NERSC user base).
• Validate results on quantum hardware

• PhD awarded within the last five years in Physics, Computational Chemistry, Computational Science, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Programming experience in one or more of:
  Python, C++, Fortran, Julia.
• Ability to work effectively on interdisciplinary teams.
• Clear written and oral communication with a record of leading and reporting results.
• Knowledge of quantum computing algorithms.

• Familiarity with tensor network methods.
• Experience programming GPUs.
• Experience implementing, optimizing, or integrating quantum libraries such as Itensor, CUDA-Q, Qiskit, or Penny Lane.
• Experience debugging and profiling distributed-memory parallel applications.
• Knowledge of Git and modern software practices such as unit testing, CI/CD, and collaborative development.

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by August 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time, 3 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 2 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• Salary range: The salary range for this position is $8,570 - $9,935 and is expected to start at $8,570 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: This position requires substantial on-site presence, but is eligible for a flexible work mode, and hybrid schedules may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA and some telework. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.
• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

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