Quantum Characterization Researcher

Are you a theorist with expertise in noise characterization and/or performance evaluation of quantum systems?

Do you want to work with a collaborative and enthusiastic team of experimental and theoretical physicists?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a creative quantum scientist to help us grow new projects and mature existing ones in quantum characterization, verification, and validation (QCVV). As a member of our team, you'll contribute to the development and evaluation of noise and performance characterization approaches and characterization-informed error protection strategies for quantum systems. This includes working with experimental researchers to empirically validate said protocols. You will join our hardworking team of quantum scientists who want to expand the state-of-the-art in quantum science. We are passionate about building new and exciting solutions for our sponsors. We strive to cultivate an environment of collaboration and teamwork. Also, we are committed to integrity and honesty, and value substance and innovation.

As a Quantum Characterization Researcher at APL you will...

• Investigate the fundamental limits of existing QCVV approaches with respect to sampling/computational complexity, estimation-theoretic properties, and assumptions on the error and/or underlying physical systems.
• Identify avenues for improvement and extensions beyond current limits of existing QCVV protocols, and implement them.
• Use advanced statistical, signal processing, machine learning and/or optimization techniques to develop and implement accurate and efficient QCVV protocols that are scalable with respect to computational resources (i.e., qubit count and runtime).
• Interpret and map QCVV metrics to both low-level physical/device properties and high-level performance of quantum algorithms (including quantum error correction).
• Trace high-level performance to physical properties and measure/validate improvements at the qubit/device level to make predictions above improved high-level performance.
• Work closely with our experimental team to execute existing and novel QCVV protocols.

You will meet our minimum qualifications if you...

• Have a PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics or closely related field.
• Have 2+ years of experience in quantum information science.
• Have experience with common qubit benchmarking and tomographic protocols (e.g., randomized benchmarking and its variations, as well as Hamiltonian, state, process, and gate-set tomography).
• Have experience with programming and software development.
• Have a proved record of research accomplishments and publications in the field of quantum information science.
• Are willing to occasionally travel to sponsor sites, conferences, workshops.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI+poly level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have experience with high-performance computing.
• Have experience with methods for classical simulation of quantum systems, e.g., using tensor networks.
• Have experience in machine learning and its application to QCVV.
• Have experience with common signal processing and estimation theory techniques, e.g., compressed sensing and Bayesian estimation.
• Have experience with quantum error correction.
• Have experience working closely with experimentalists.
• Have a proven record of impactful research accomplishments.
• Have an active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph security clearance.

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APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.