Summer Research Interns, Center for Computational Quantum Physics

Description

The Flatiron Institute is a research unit established by the Simons foundation to advance scientific research through computational methods, including data analysis, modeling and simulation. With about 50 staff members, the Center for Computational Quantum Physics (CCQ) is a leading international center for the study of many-body quantum phenomena and their applications to condensed matter physics, materials science, chemistry, strong light-matter interactions, out-of-equilibrium quantum systems and related topics. The development of the concepts, methods, algorithms and codes needed to advance the field is fundamental to the work of the Center. In addition to CCQ, the Flatiron Institute hosts the Centers for Computational Astrophysics, Computational Biology, Computational Mathematics and Computational Neuroscience, the new Institute for Computational Catalysis, and a common scientific computing core.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Center for Computational Quantum Physics (CCQ) seeks seasonal, full-time paid research interns interested in developing and implementing the concepts, algorithms and codes needed to understand the quantum mechanical behavior of many-particle systems, and to translate this understanding into useful predictions of the behavior of molecules and materials.

Under the mentorship of one or more CCQ scientists during the summer, Research Assistants/Associates will contribute to CCQ research by joining an ongoing research project. For more information about CCQ research, please visit: https://www.simonsfoundation.org/flatiron/center-for-computational-quantum-physics/.

Internship positions are intended for beginning graduate students or advanced undergraduates. Undergraduate students will be appointed with the title of Summer Research Assistant, while graduate students will be appointed with the title Summer Research Associate. Graduate students already embarked on a thesis project should consider applying to the Flatiron predoc program instead.

The internship will take place in-person at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City.  Applicable travel assistance to New York City and a supported temporary housing option while in New York City may be available. For more information, please visit the Summer at Simons page.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reporting to a designated CCQ staff scientist, the research intern will apply skills of analytical calculation, algorithm development and implementation, testing and running computer codes, and data analysis to topics of relevance to CCQ’s mission.
• Other responsibilities including reporting on research, writing documentation, and performing other CCQ mission-related tasks or duties as required.

Period of Internship:

• Summer 2026: June 1 – August 14

Qualifications

Education

• Candidates will normally have completed an undergraduate degree and be enrolled in or accepted to a graduate program in physics or a related field, although in exceptional cases advanced undergraduate students may be considered.

Experience

•  Experience with condensed matter physics, quantum chemistry and large-scale computations strongly preferred.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• The successful applicant should have experience with programming in one or more of the following: Matlab, Python, Julia, Fortran or C/C++ under Windows, OS-X or Linux operating systems.

Application Instructions

Required Application Materials

• Curriculum vitae
• Transcript indicating completed courses
• Cover letter or research statement mentioning fields or projects within CCQ's range of activities of specific interest to you and naming the CCQ research staff and/or mentors that have possible connections to these fields/projects.
• Names and contact information for two scientists who can be contacted for references.

Deadline to Apply:

• January 16, 2026

Compensation:

• Interns at the Research Assistant (undergraduate) level will earn $20.00/hour
• Interns at the Research Associate (graduate) level will earn $25.00/hour

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to b