Quantum Computing for Nuclear Reaction Theory - Postdoctoral Researcher

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are committed to a diverse and equitable workforce with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, experiences, and perspectives. This is important for continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$118,884 Annually

Job Description

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in quantum computing applied to nuclear structure and reaction theory.  You will participate in innovative research developing state of the art quantum many-body simulations, executing those simulations on quantum platforms, and modeling those simulations on world leading high-performance computing (HPC) systems.  While focus is on developing hardware-informed digital/analog simulations of nuclear systems, the interest spans the full scope of theory and development needed to simulate any many-body fermionic system. This position is in the Nuclear Data and Theory group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

You will

• Conduct innovative research in quantum computing simulations as they apply to many-body fermionic systems.
• Connect approaches in formal scattering/reaction theory to quantum algorithms realizable on near term hardware.
• Design and carry out simulations on DOE quantum testbeds and accessible commercial platforms, and model/benchmark those simulations on LLNL HPC systems.
• Engage in collaborations between the Nuclear Data and Theory group, internal (LLNL), and external collaborators.
• Pursue complementary research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internally and externally to the Laboratory.
• Present research results at scientific conferences and meetings and in peer reviewed publications.
• Contribute to proposal submissions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this position.  To be qualified for this position, Candidates must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112.
• Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience in theoretical methods applied to quantum simulations (experience in the context of nuclear physics, broadly speaking, preferred but not required).
• Experience developing computer codes for physics problems.
• Ability to develop innovative approaches to tackle scientific and technical problems.
• Proficient verbal and written communications skills necessary to author technical and scientific reports and publications, and to deliver scientific presentations.
• Initiative and interpersonal skills with desire and ability to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience in theoretical methods applied to nuclear structure, reactions, or astrophysical simulations (or similar methods in other fields of physics).
• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature with experience presenting research results to a large audience.
• Familiarity with any of C++, C, Python, or equivalent computer programming languages, parallel programming, and general interest in developing large-scale HPC solutions to physical problems leveraging advanced architectures.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2024 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/diversity/our-values<