Postdoctoral Associate / Senior Research Associate

Job Description

We invite applications for postdoctoral associate or research associate positions in theoretical Quantum Information Science in the Physics Department of Virginia Tech.

The focus of these positions will be on quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computation. Topics of interest include quantum low-density parity-check (qLDPC) codes, code surgery and lattice surgery protocols, fermionic and bosonic quantum codes, machine learning approaches to decoding, magic and nonstabilizerness in quantum codes, tensor-network methods for code construction and decoding, and resource estimation for fault-tolerant architectures. There will also be opportunities to validate theoretical results on cloud quantum processors and emerging neutral-atom platforms.

The successful candidates will join a vibrant research environment in the quantum information groups at Virginia Tech and will have the opportunity to work with Prof. Arpit Dua, Prof. Charles Cao, and other faculty in the quantum information science program. There will be plenty of opportunities for collaboration with other members of the groups and with leading experimental and theory groups around the world, as well as with industry partners in quantum computing. The positions will also involve opportunities for travel to present at conferences and to collaborate with other groups.

Postdoctoral and Senior Research Associates will conduct research in the above areas and disseminate results in journal publications and conference presentations.

Senior Research Associates will have additional responsibilities mentoring junior group members and potentially assisting the PIs with grant management.

Required Qualifications

• Postdoctoral associate applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Quantum Information Science, Theoretical Condensed Matter, AMO Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field. The Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment, with a minimum of one year of eligibility remaining. A strong background in quantum mechanics and programming skills are necessary.

• Senior research associate applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Quantum Information Science, Theoretical Condensed Matter, AMO Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field, together with prior postdoctoral experience. A strong background in quantum mechanics and programming skills are necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of concepts and techniques from quantum error correction and quantum information science is preferred. Familiarity with one or more of the following areas is desirable: quantum LDPC codes, stabilizer and CSS code constructions, code surgery protocols, fermionic codes, machine learning approaches to decoding, magic and nonstabilizerness in quantum codes, tensor-network methods, decoding algorithms, or fault-tolerance and resource estimation. Experience with Python (and ideally Mathematica or other scientific computing tools) is preferred.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40 hours - exempt position

Review Date

06/03/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an