Information Science Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Are you a researcher with expertise in quantum error correction and other approaches for achieving error-robustness in quantum computing?

Are you looking to take part in impactful research in quantum information science?

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

If so, we’re 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 the field of quantum error correction. As a member of our team, you’ll contribute to the development and evaluation of quantum error correcting codes (QECCs), working closely with theorists and experimentalists to bridge knowledge gaps and address practical limitations of quantum error correction on current and future hardware platforms. You will join our hardworking team of quantum scientists who are passionate about building new and exciting solutions to expand the state-of-the-art in quantum science. We strive to foster an environment of collaboration and teamwork. Our team is committed to integrity and honesty, and values substance and innovation.

As a Quantum Error Correction Scientist at APL you will...

• Investigate, improve, and design QECCs using physically relevant noise models and other hardware characteristics.
• Perform modeling and trade-space studies of QECCs.
• Identify avenues for optimization and scalability of QECCs for specific quantum technology platforms.
• Investigate the propagation of low-level physical/device properties to errors in high-level logical operations and vice versa.
• Work with our team of experimentalists to identify and measure relevant performance parameters of physical qubits and QECC primitives that can be extrapolated to estimate QECC performance.
• Investigate the influence/impact of QEC performance on quantum algorithms.

You will meet our minimum qualifications if you…

• Have a PhD in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or closely related field
• Have 2+ years of post-doctoral (or equivalent) experience in quantum information science.
• Have experience with traditional QECCs, e.g., repetition code and surface codes.
• Have experience simulating and/or estimating resources costs for quantum error correcting codes.
• 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 deep knowledge of different QEC schemes and trade-offs.
• Have experience with decoders and logical error simulations.
• Have experience with physical-level and/or device noise modeling.
• Have experience with quantum characterization, verification, and validation protocols such as randomized benchmarking.
• Have extensive experience with existing QEC simulator tools and/or resource estimation tools.
• Have experience with additional error protection schemes, such as dynamical decoupling and/or quantum error mitigation.
• Have experience with high-performance computing.
• Have experience working with experimentalists.
• Have a proven record of impactful research accomplishments.
• Have an active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph security clearance.

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Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 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 Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

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.