What You Will Do

Come join the best and brightest minds in the world at one of the most innovative and creative multidisciplinary research institutions engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. The work we do at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) matters to our country and the world.

The Information Sciences and Modeling group (A-1) is looking for outstanding candidates in the field of computer science to support programing and software development for quantum computers. The candidate is expected to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment. A successful candidate is expected to: develop software frameworks for quantum computers; develop implementations of quantum algorithms; conduct experiments on quantum computing hardware; and contribute to technical reports for government agencies and peer reviewed journals. Previous experience with quantum computing is desired but not required for this position.

This position is part of LANL’s Advanced Network Science Initiative (ANSI), which is an interdisciplinary team comprised of physicists, engineers, mathematicians, statisticians, and computer scientists. Our typical customers include the Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, and other national laboratories. Our work typically requires close collaborations within and outside the Laboratory. More details on ANSI can be found at https://lanl-ansi.github.io/.

We are seeking applications who have recently graduated

(<2 years) or plan to graduate in the next year with a baccalaureate or master degree in a STEM field to join our dynamic team in quantum computation. Students will partner with an experienced staff scientist mentor, who will provide guidance and feedback throughout the course of a two-year research training appointment. This appointment requires relocation to New Mexico for conducting work on-site at Los Alamos National Laboratory. This position will be filled at the post baccalaureate or post master’s level, depending on the education of the selected candidate. 

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Experience in software development in a ubiquitous language (e.g., Python, C++, Java, …)

• Experience with modern open-source software development methods (e.g., Git, GitHub, unit tests, continuous integration)

• Experience working in small teams, mentoring, and/or writing proposals.

• Demonstrate ability to work effectively in a collaborative and multi‐disciplinary environment.

• Demonstrate excellent oral and written skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience implementing scientific software and/or numerical methods

• Experience with the Julia programming language

• Experience with cluster computing (e.g., SLURM, Sun Grid Engine, …)

• Familiarity with Quantum Information Science (especially, mathematics, algorithms, and implementations)

• Familiarity with Quantum Computing Software packages (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, Q#, …)

• Familiarity with Quantum Resource Estimation

• Ability to obtain a DOE Q and SCI security clearances, which generally requires U.S. citizenship

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Education/Experience:

Education/Experience for post baccalaureate position: Positions requires a bachelor’s degree, or higher, in a STEM field from an accredited college or university.

Education/Experience for post master’s position: Positions requires a master’s degree, or higher, in a STEM field from an accredited college or university.

Note to Applicants:

For further questions, please contact Anna Trujillo at anna_rod@lanl.gov. To apply, please use the “apply now” button below. Include a letter describing your research interests, a CV, a code sample, and 3 references.

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)

Additional Details

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.

How to Apply:

Follow the instructions below if you have ever had an employee Z number, been a contractor, or received Los Alamos Lab insurance coverage to activate your account:

• Select the Click Here button if you have been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage.

• Please enter only your first and last name and current email address (an email with your validation code will be sent to you) to activate the account currently in our system.

•  Enter your validation code as described in the email you receive and complete the 3-page registration form. Your account is now active, and you can apply for jobs or save to your basket. Important: Enter the validation code within 15 days to activate your account or your account will be deactivated.

Follow the instructions below if you if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to create an account:

• Select the Register button if you have never been employed with the Lab or received insurance coverage to Create an Account.

• From here, you will establish an account with username and password.

How to Apply: Login to Your Account to Complete the Application Process

• Click the Vacancy Name number (in blue) to view any job’s details.

• Click Apply or Add to Basket to apply later. Tip: To apply for a job or save your basket, you must have a LANL jobs account.

If you experience any technical issues, please email applyhelp@lanl.gov for assistance.