What You Will Do
The Physics and Chemistry of Materials Group, T-1, in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory seeks outstanding candidates for a postdoctoral research associate position focused on the development and application of quantum algorithms for quantum dynamics simulations of rare-earth element separation processes.
The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working at the interface of theoretical chemistry, quantum dynamics, and quantum information science. The project will develop quantum and quantum-inspired algorithms to study f-element chemical systems, with an emphasis on lanthanide and actinide complexes relevant to separations chemistry. This effort views quantum computing capability development broadly: advances in quantum algorithms should not only prepare for emerging quantum hardware, but also improve classical algorithms, reduced models, benchmarking approaches, and physical understanding. The candidate will help develop methods that connect quantum information science with theoretical chemistry and apply them to chemically realistic systems.
We provide unique opportunities for cross cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations, scientific workshop organization, and conference attendance.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
- A Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related physical sciences, completed within the last 5 years or to be completed soon.
- Strong background in theoretical chemistry, computational chemistry, chemical physics, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience developing multireference electronic structure methods, such as CASSCF, MRCI, selected configuration interaction, or related approaches.
- Programming experience in at least one scientific programming language, such as Python, Fortran, C/C++, Julia, or a related language.
- Demonstrated experience conducting original scientific research, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, preprints, or other scholarly research outputs.
- Ability to work creatively and independently, while also collaborating effectively as part of a diverse multidisciplinary team.
Desired Qualifications:
In addition to the minimum requirements, the following qualifications are desired, and preference will be given to candidates satisfying at least one of them:
- Experience with lanthanide or actinide chemistry, especially systems where relativistic effects, spin-orbit coupling, strong correlation, or multireference character are important.
- Demonstrated experience in developing quantum or mixed quantum-classical dynamic methods like tensor network, multiple-configurational Time dependent Hartree, or related methods.
- Interest in using quantum computing capability development to advance both quantum and classical computational methods.
Contact:
Dr. Ping Yang (
[email protected])
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.
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.
- The appointment is for a duration of two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension based on performance evaluation.
- Outstanding candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoc Fellowship or for the prestigious Richard P. Feynman, Darleane Christian Hoffman, J. Robert Oppenheimer, or Frederick Reines Distinguished Postdoc Fellowships.
- For more information about the Postdoc Program, please go to https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/postdoctoral-research
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.
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
[email protected] or call (505)-664-6947.
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