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Berkeley Lab

Postdoctoral Scholar — Quantum Benchmarking & Simulation (AQT/NERSC)

Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709

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Postdoctoral Scholar — Quantum Benchmarking & Simulation (AQT/NERSC)

role at

Berkeley Lab

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (Berkeley Lab) Applied Math and Computational Research Division (AMCR) has an opening in the QuIST (Quantum Information Science and Technology) Group for a Post‑doctoral Scholar to advance the validation of quantum computers operating in the

classical‑hardness

regime. You will design and execute

state‑of‑the‑art experiments

on superconducting quantum processors, lead

large‑scale benchmarking

across the full stack, and develop

scalable classical simulations

(e.g.,

tensor networks )—including performance bounds beyond brute‑force classical simulability. This role is deeply collaborative with the

Advanced Quantum Testbed (AQT)

and the

NERSC Advanced Technologies Group , offering access to world‑class experimental facilities and supercomputing resources.

What You Will Do:

Lead

large‑scale benchmarking

of full‑stack quantum processing units (QPUs).

Develop and validate

performance bounds

for QPUs beyond brute‑force classical simulability.

Design and conduct experiments

on contemporary quantum hardware platforms (e.g., superconducting quantum processors).

Validate, analyze, and interpret

experimental data and results.

Simulate

the performance of quantum circuits on classical supercomputers.

Design and optimize

classical simulation algorithms for quantum circuits.

Explore

approximate classical simulation

algorithms (e.g., tensor networks, circuit cutting) to improve scalability.

Publish

scientific papers and

present

results to diverse audiences.

What is Required:

Ph.D. in

Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science , or a related field.

Demonstrated experience

independently planning and completing projects .

Hands‑on experience with

state‑of‑the‑art experiments

on contemporary quantum hardware platforms.

Experience with

numerical algorithms

(e.g.,

tensor networks ) for simulating quantum computer performance.

Relevant publication record

and clear, effective written/oral communication of scientific results.

Knowledge of quantum information science

relevant to the responsibilities above.

Proven ability to

work effectively in cross‑functional teams

(engineers, scientific staff, technicians, students).

Ability to prepare

periodic written and oral updates

for internal/external reviews or reports.

Proficiency with

Python‑based scientific programming

tools.

Desired Qualifications:

Knowledge of

superconducting qubits

and device physics.

Experience with

gate calibration

on superconducting QPUs.

Knowledge of

noise and error sources

in superconducting systems.

Familiarity with

benchmarking and characterization

methods for quantum computers.

Experience with

tensor network

methods and other scalable approximations.

Experience running

large‑scale computations on supercomputers

(e.g., SLURM job scripts, GPU acceleration, MPI communication).

Notes:

This is a full‑time, 2‑year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post‑degree.

This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

The monthly salary range for this position is $6,924 – $8,026 and is expected to start at $6,924 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post‑Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.

This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

Seniority level Associate

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Education, Research, and Science

Industries Research Services, Higher Education, and Education

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