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 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. 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 opportunities for collaboration with other members of the groups, leading experimental and theory groups worldwide, and industry partners in quantum computing. The positions will also involve opportunities for travel to present at conferences and 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 mentor junior group members and potentially assist 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

Qualifications

Preferred knowledge and experience includes:

• Concepts and techniques from quantum error correction and quantum information science
• 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, Virginia Tech enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of over 36,000 students and conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Review date: 06/03/2026