Research Scientist - Applications of Quantum HPC Systems

Requisition Id 17338

­­Overview:

The National Center for Computational Sciences (NCCS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a research scientist in the area of large-scale scientific applications of hybrid high-performance computing (HPC) and quantum computing (QC) systems toward fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC). The candidate will be able to contribute to one or more of the following areas: large-scale applications, quantum resource estimation, quantum error correction, and related AI/ML approaches for both QC and HPC systems. We are a leader in computational and computer science, with signature strengths in high-performance computing, quantum computing, and simulations with applications in a large variety of science domains. NCCS is home to some of the fastest supercomputers and storage systems in the world. This position is in the Quantum HPC Integration Group as a part of Science Engagement Section within NCCS. We are an inclusive environment that welcomes talented, creative, innovative scientists and engineers with an eagerness to learn. Specific areas of the working mission include:

Deliver new science capabilities into the Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) by identifying gaps in the system software and hardware stack and develop, harden, integrate, and deploy solutions on HPC and QC.

Oversee, manage, facilitate, and catalyze partnerships in the user programs that provide access to the leadership computing facilities that include classical and quantum resources.

Design and procure the OLCF systems (Discovery, Frontier, Andes, Defiant, ACE Testbeds, and data analysis clusters), and develop the infrastructure that supports these systems, and keep OLCF ahead of the technology curve.

Research and evaluate emerging technologies in the aforementioned areas and provide the systems programming to seamlessly integrate technologies and tools into the infrastructure as they are adopted.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Collaborate with internal and external researchers on a wide variety of AI/ML, HPC, and QC research and projects.

Serve as a science liaison within the Science Engagement Section to enhance the user transition to leadership class computing on classical and quantum computers.

Collaborate with scientists outside of the laboratory to advance the scientific mission of the group, laboratory, the Department of Energy, and other sponsors.

Architect, deploy, and performance tune quantum computing models on large-scale HPC and QC hybrid systems.

Integrate and deploy quantum algorithms and parallel/distributed variational algorithms in a broad spectrum of science applications for energy and security (including but not limited to fusion, engineering, biology, and extreme weather) and large-scale HPC and QC systems

Develop quantum algorithms for canonical (quantum chemistry, material science) as well as disruptive, non-canonical applications such as differential equations and QML, garnered towards FTQC protocols, including state preparation, measurement, resource estimation, and error correction approaches. Using AI judiciously to accelerate different aspects within these topics will be highly desired.

Verify, validate, and benchmark the above research efforts on different large-scale HPC and QC systems within OLCF’s portfolio and external computing facilities.

Deliver toolkits and new capabilities that execute on ORNL’s leading computational infrastructures.

Collaborate in authoring peer reviewed papers, technical papers, reports.

Seek membership in professional, academic, and research organizations.

Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in computer science/engineering, mathematics, statistics, or domain science area

Proven research track record in QC and HPC systems

Preferred Qualifications:

The ability to work independently and develop and deploy quantum computing applications at scale, with emphasis on non-canonical applications

Experience with algorithms for NISQ and FTQC systems

Knowledge of different quantum computing backends and architectures

Experience with AI for QC and QC for AI

Experience in high-performance computing and quantum computing software development

Track record of collaborations with academia, national labs, and industry

The ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms

Flexibility in R&D assignments

Ability to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and sponsors

Interest in mentoring students

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.