Postdoctoral Associate / Senior Research Associate

About the Role

We invite applications for postdoctoral associate or research associate positions in theoretical Quantum Information Science in the Physics Department of Virginia Tech. The focus of these positions will be on quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computation. Topics of interest include:

• Quantum low-density parity-check (qLDPC) codes
• Code surgery and lattice surgery protocols
• Fermionic and bosonic quantum codes
• Machine learning approaches to decoding
• Magic and nonstabilizerness in quantum codes
• Tensor-network methods for code construction and decoding
• Resource estimation for fault-tolerant architectures

There will also be opportunities to validate theoretical results on cloud quantum processors and emerging neutral-atom platforms. The successful candidates will join a vibrant research environment in the quantum information groups at Virginia Tech and will have the opportunity to work with Prof. Arpit Dua, Prof. Charles Cao, and other faculty in the quantum information science program. There will be plenty of opportunities for collaboration with other members of the groups and with leading experimental and theory groups around the world, as well as with industry partners in quantum computing. The positions will also involve opportunities for travel to present at conferences and to collaborate with other groups.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computation
• Disseminate results in journal publications and conference presentations

Senior Research Associates will have additional responsibilities:

• Mentoring junior group members
• Potentially assisting the PIs with grant management

Requirements

Postdoctoral Associate:

• Ph.D. in Quantum Information Science, Theoretical Condensed Matter, AMO Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field
• Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment, with a minimum of one year of eligibility remaining
• Strong background in quantum mechanics and programming skills

Senior Research Associate:

• Ph.D. in Quantum Information Science, Theoretical Condensed Matter, AMO Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field
• Prior postdoctoral experience
• Strong background in quantum mechanics and programming skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of concepts and techniques from quantum error correction and quantum information science
• Familiarity with one or more of the following areas: quantum LDPC codes, stabilizer and CSS code constructions, code surgery protocols, fermionic codes, machine learning approaches to decoding, magic and nonstabilizerness in quantum codes, tensor-network methods, decoding algorithms, or fault-tolerance and resource estimation
• Experience with Python (and ideally Mathematica or other scientific computing tools)

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College.

The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.