Job Details

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

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.

Responsibilities:

• 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.

Requirements:

• 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).

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.

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.