Research Scientist, Hybrid Quantum-HPC Systems Architecture

Requisition Id 17394

Overview:

The Advanced Technologies Section (ATS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead a research area developing integration models for the co-design of hybrid quantum-HPC systems. Work in this area spans system design, modeling, and digital twins and aims to define how quantum computers will be integrated into future scientific computing systems.

The opportunity

As overall lead of this research area, you will direct R&D into hybrid quantum-HPC system design, using digital twins and simulations to explore and test designs before they are built. The work seeks to address the questions of which classical HPC technologies are required in close proximity to a quantum computer, and how those tightly coupled resources integrate with large-scale HPC and AI facilities for science. The results will shape vendor co-design discussions and requirements for future scientific computing systems.

You will lead the efforts of other research staff, postdocs, and graduate students working in this area. Your models will draw on measurements from ORNLs quantum-HPC testbeds, and you will work with industry partners and the broader HPC and quantum computing research community. You will define future R&D directions for Quantum-HPC systems architecture.

We care most about depth in hybrid quantum-HPC system design and modeling. Broader HPC systems expertise strengthens the group, but no single candidate is expected to cover every area.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as overall lead for the research area developing integration models for co-design of hybrid quantum-HPC systems: set its research agenda, plan milestones, coordinate contributors, and work with program leadership to report milestones and progress toward center and facility goals.
• Drive R&D into hybrid quantum-HPC system design: integration architectures, communication paths between classical and quantum resources, and the system software that ties them together.
• Build digital twins and simulations of hybrid quantum-HPC systems, calibrate them with testbed measurements, and use them to evaluate designs at scales and in configurations that dont exist yet.
• Meet regularly with the research staff, postdocs, and graduate students working in this area to guide its technical direction, and mentor them in research design, publication, and proposal writing.
• Extend the agenda into adjacent systems areas as the work matures, including the interconnects and data paths that link quantum and classical resources.
• Represent ORNL in vendor co-design engagements, DOE program reviews, and community forums such as SC and IEEE Quantum Week.
• Publish peer-reviewed work, write proposals, and secure external funding to grow the research portfolio.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computational science, or a related field.
• 2 or more years of research experience beyond the PhD in HPC systems, computer architecture, quantum computing systems, or a related area, with a record of independent research.
• Some experience as technical lead on research carried out by others, such as directing a project team, mentoring postdocs or students, or leading a multi-institution project or workstream. Formal supervisory experience is not required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong candidates will bring the first item plus experience in one or more of the others. We encourage you to apply even if you dont match every item.

• Research on hybrid classical-quantum systems: quantum hardware platforms, quantum-classical interfaces, control systems, or hybrid workflows and software stacks.
• HPC system design, integration, or characterization.
• Modeling and simulation of computer systems, such as digital twins, architectural or network simulators, or performance models validated against real hardware.
• Networks and interconnects that couple quantum and classical resources, such as low-latency links between quantum control systems and HPC nodes.
• Heterogeneous and accelerator-based architectures, including GPUs working alongside quantum processors.
• Co-design work with system vendors.
• Clear communication with sponsors, leadership, and the research community.

Special Requirements:

Submit a CV and a one-page statement describing the systems research you would pursue on ORNLs quantum-HPC testbeds. and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the role can go to zimmercj@ornl.gov and questions about the application process can go to copemanrs@ornl.gov.

• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
• For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.