Quantum Computing Postdoc Research Associate

What You Will Do**

The Physics and Chemistry of Materials group (T-1) in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral research associate position at the intersection of quantum computing, strongly correlated electrons, and quantum embedding theory.

Successful candidates will join a multidisciplinary team focused on developing quantum-centric embedding algorithms for simulating f-electron systems, which are characterized by strong electron correlations and pronounced relativistic effects. The candidate will contribute to advancing quantum embedding theory by integrating quantum computing and high-performance computing (HPC) resources to address multiple levels of theory within the embedding framework. A key focus will be the accurate and efficient partitioning of complex systems into locally strongly correlated fragments. The postdoc will also investigate the use of various symmetries to reduce the local Hamiltonians, potentially yielding significant reductions in logical qubit requirements and quantum gate counts.

The postdoc will be co-mentored by staff members in T-1 (Physics and Chemistry of Materials) and T-4 (Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics) groups. We provide unique opportunities for cross disciplinary collaborations, scientific workshop organization, and conference attendance.

Minimum Job Requirements:

+ A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related physical sciences, completed within the last 5 years or to be completed soon.

+ Programming experience (either Fortran, C/C++, or Python)

+ Demonstrated experience in conducting original scientific research through peer-reviewed publication records.

+ Excellent communication and writing skills.

Desired Qualifications:

In addition to the minimum requirements, the following qualifications are desired, and preference will be given to candidates satisfying (at least one) of them:

+ Solid Background in quantum many-body physics

+ Demonstrated experience in developing electronic structure methods (like DFT, DMFT, DMET, Quantum Monte Carlo, Gutzwiller, etc.)

+ Demonstrated experience in quantum computing (either NISQ or Fault-Tolerant quantum algorithms)

+ Experience with developing reduced-scaling algorithms or massively parallel algorithms.

+ Quantum error correction or noise-assisted quantum simulations

+ Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) or GPU programming.

+ The ability to work creatively and independently as well as learn and collaborate with experts as a part of a diverse multi-disciplinary team.

+ Demonstrated ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.

+ Ability to adapt to new requirements for projects and be flexible enough to learn new areas of research as needed.

Work Environment:

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Note to Applicants:

+ Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

+ The appointment is for a duration of two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension based on performance evaluation.

+ Candidates may be considered for a fellowship supported by the Center for Nonlinear Studies (CNLS). Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship or for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.

+ For more information about the Postdoc Program, please go to ( h

Contact:

+ Dr. Yu Zhang (...)

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed, or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a fresh PhD is currently $97,000. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

+ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

+ Dental and vision insurance

+ Free basic life and disability insurance

+ Paid maternity and parental leave

+ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

+ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

+ Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, and holidays)

+ Onsite gyms and wellness programs

+ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to ... or call ... option 1.

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