What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nuclear Theory Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Computing position at Los Alamos National Laboratory?
What You Will Do
The T-2 group (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology) in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in theoretical modeling of nuclear dynamics using quantum computing. Candidates are expected to have obtained a PhD in Physics or closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment (within five years of receiving their PhD). This appointment is for two years. Extension for a third year may be considered, contingent on performance and funding.
Interested applicants should submit their application (CV, research statement) and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent by email (t2-pdsearch-q@lanl.gov). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and evaluation will begin immediately upon receipt. The advertisement will remain open until October 16, 2026, but one or both positions could be filled before this deadline.
The successful candidate will:
Minimum Job Requirements:
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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:
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.
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.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947.
The T-2 group (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology) in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in theoretical modeling of nuclear dynamics using quantum computing. Candidates are expected to have obtained a PhD in Physics or closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment (within five years of receiving their PhD). This appointment is for two years. Extension for a third year may be considered, contingent on performance and funding.
Interested applicants should submit their application (CV, research statement) and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent by email (t2-pdsearch-q@lanl.gov). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and evaluation will begin immediately upon receipt. The advertisement will remain open until October 16, 2026, but one or both positions could be filled before this deadline.
The successful candidate will:
- Design algorithms specific for implementing quantum nuclear dynamics on quantum hardware
- Publish research in leading scientific journals
- Develop strong programming skills
- Work both independently and in a team environment to solve problems in support of Laboratory missions
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Experience with describing dynamics and/or statistical properties quantum many-body systems.
- Demonstrated ability to write parallel computer programs in modern languages, in particular python
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally
- Education/Experience: Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics or equivalent
- Experience with quantum hardware
- Knowledge of nuclear structure and reactions
- Experience implementing quantum dynamics either on classical or quantum hardware
- For questions, please contact us at t2-pdsearch-q@lanl.gov
- Please arrange for three letters of reference to be directly sent to t2-pdsearch-q@lanl.gov. Reference letters sent via the applicant will not be considered.
- Experience in one or more of the listed desired qualifications is a plus but not strictly required to be considered for this position
- Review of applications will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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 childbirth 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)
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.
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.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 (505)-664-6947.