Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Computing for Quantum Scattering in Plasmas

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM

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JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Astrophysics, Chemistry, Communication Skills, Computational Physics, Computer Science, Conferences, Dental Insurance, Electricity, Environmental Sciences, Fellowship, Funding, Insurance, Laboratory, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Operations Security (OPSEC), Physics, Plasma, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Publications, Quantum Computing, Research Skills, Space Science, Team Player, Tuition Fees, United States Citizen, Vision Plan, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Los Alamos, NM

POSTED

30+ days ago

What You Will Do

We are looking for candidates to join our team in Los Alamos National Laboratory's Theoretical Division (T-Division). T-Division provides a unique and engaging environment that fosters multi-disciplinary collaborations to support the laboratory's strategic basic research and national security missions. The Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics (T-5) group within T-Division conducts diverse research across a variety of topics including fusion science, space plasma science, astrophysics, numerical analysis, machine learning, computational imaging, optimization, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, and the modeling of critical infrastructure (gas pipelines and electrical grids). These application areas are tied together by research in novel algorithms and numerical methods.

The focus of the project is to develop quantum computing algorithms for quantum scattering in atomic and molecular systems that are expected in a fusion energy system, and demonstrate the schemes in current quantum computers. Candidates with background in (1) quantum scattering theory and computation, particularly in atomic and molecular physics, and quantum chemistry; and/or (2) quantum computing, are preferred. Fusion energy science background is desirable but not required. The selected candidates are expected to work with a team of fusion energy scientists, atomic physicists, and quantum computing scientists. The initial appointment is for two years, with a possible third year extension depending on performance and funding availability.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of quantum computing, atomic/molecular physics, quantum chemistry, and quantum scattering broadly defined.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary scientific environment.
A record of publications and presentations in one or more of the following areas: applied mathematics, computational physics, plasma physics, or fusion science.

Education/Experience: Completion of a Ph.D. in STEM field within the last five years or expected completion within the current academic year.

Desired Qualifications:

Technical Knowledge:

Quantum scattering theory and computation, particularly in atomic and molecular physics, and quantum chemistry
Quantum computing

Technical Communication:

Written and oral technical communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications and/or presentations at professional conferences.

Collaboration:

Experience working as a productive member of a team, including the demonstrated ability to develop solutions for complex problems while effectively networking with peers

Work Location: The work location for this position is located in Los Alamos, NM.

Note to Applicants:

In addition to applying online, please send a cover letter and CV (including the contact information of three references) to Xianzhu Tang at xtang@lanl.gov. When applying on-line, please include the following files with your application: a CV (please include month/year of PhD) and a detailed cover letter describing the candidate's interest and qualifications in this research area.

Fellowship Opportunities: Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship, CNLS Fellowship, Nicholas C. Metropolis Fellowship, Richard Feynman, Robert Oppenheimer Fellowsip, or Darleane Christian Hoffman Fellowship. For the named fellowship, the research scope can be broadened to include any topic of mutual interest, for example, in inertial confinement fusion, laser-plasma interaction, space and astrophysical plasmas, and computational methods.

Postdoctoral positions are for 2 years, with a potential for a renewal for a third year.

Minimum salary for a postdoctoral researcher is $97,000 and can increase with post-PhD experience and fellowships.

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.

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 (PTO 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.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

No Clearance: 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, 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 applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.

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About the Company

Los Alamos National Laboratory

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