Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Quantum Simulations Software Developer within the NERSC division. The National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC) at Berkeley Lab seeks an enthusiastic engineer to advance large-scale quantum circuit simulations. This position is within the Advanced Technologies Group (ATG), which focuses on exploring emerging computing technologies, including quantum computing, to accelerate scientific discovery.
The current project is focused on validating the performance of quantum computers in the classical hardness regime. As the performance of quantum computers improves, it will no longer be possible to classically simulate quantum circuits, leaving us unable to determine how close quantum circuit performance is to ideal results. For this reason, it is necessary to develop scalable benchmarks that provide a way to quantify and predict the fidelity of quantum circuits relative to ideal results, without relying on classical simulations.
The primary focus of this position is to modify and develop distributed state-vector and tensor network simulations for simulating large-scale quantum circuits classically using NERSC resources (e.g., Perlmutter). With these simulation tools, we will study the limits of classical simulability as a function of qubit count, circuit depth, and entanglement and how these circuit features impact the requirements for traditional HPC resources.
This position has an anticipated start date of December 1, 2026.
We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!Why join Berkeley Lab?We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
- Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
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- In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
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You will:- Simulate the performance of quantum circuits on classical supercomputers.
- Design and optimization of classical simulation algorithms for quantum circuits.
- Explore approximate simulation algorithms for improved scalability on classical hardware.
- Develop a hardware-aware performance model and planner for distributed MPS simulation.
- Develop a circuit-level resource model for classical quantum simulation.
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present progress at scientific conferences, workshops, and technical meetings.
- Work on and resolve problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
- Demonstrate good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
- Network with senior internal and external personnel in own area of expertise.
We are looking for:- Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a Master's degree; or equivalent work experience.
- Demonstrated understanding of the fundamentals of quantum computing and the quantum circuit model of computation.
- Experience running quantum circuit simulations using exact and approximate approaches such as tensor networks.
- Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Julia, C++).
- Familiarity with common quantum computing frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane).
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced research environment.
- Ability to prepare periodic updates (written and oral) for internal and external reviews or reports.
- Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
- Ability to network with senior internal and external personnel in own area of expertise.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Desired skills/knowledge:- Familiarity with computing hardware, CPU/GPU architecture, and using HPC systems.
- Experience with NVIDIA libraries for large-scale tensor constructions (e.g., cuTENSOR, cuTENSORNET, and cuTENSORMp)
- Experience with C3PQ or equivalent heuristic-based contraction algorithms in state-vector or tensor network settings.
- Experience with running large-scale computations on a supercomputer, including (but not limited to) using SLURM job scripts, GPU acceleration, MPI communication.
Additional information:- Application date:Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by November 20, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
- Appointment type: This is a full-time, until September 29, 2028, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
- Salary range:The expected salary for this position is $134,664 - $164,604, which fits into the full salary of $119,712 - $202,020 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
- Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
- Work modality: This position requires substantial on-site presence, but is eligible for a flexible work mode, and hybrid schedules may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA and some telework. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs. In rare cases, full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
- Relocation:This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
- Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
- Union Represented:This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.govEqual Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.
