Temp Computer Science Research Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a scientist to help advance the emerging field of networked and distributed quantum computing. This position offers the opportunity to shape new architectures, software systems, simulation capabilities, and experimental workflows for connecting quantum devices with classical computing and networking infrastructure. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment that brings together expertise in quantum information science, computer systems, networking, high-performance computing, and scientific applications.

The scientist will have access to Argonne's quantum research capabilities, advanced computing facilities, and the broader Chicago quantum ecosystem. They will establish and lead independent research directions while contributing to multidisciplinary projects and externally sponsored programs. The scientist will produce high-impact research, broadly useful software and systems capabilities, and sustained collaborations within Argonne and with universities, national laboratories, government agencies, and other research organizations.

Core Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in quantum networking, distributed quantum computing, quantum-system architectures, or closely related areas.
• Develop models, algorithms, simulation capabilities, and research software for the design and evaluation of networked quantum systems.
• Investigate system-level challenges involving architectures, protocols, resource management, scheduling, control, performance, reliability, and integration of heterogeneous quantum and classical resources.
• Formulate new research directions and contribute to research proposals, sponsor interactions, project planning, and execution of externally funded programs.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and communicate results through presentations, software releases, technical reports, and other research artifacts.
• Build collaborations across disciplines and institutions and provide technical leadership within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Mentor students, postdoctoral researchers, and junior staff and contribute to a collegial research culture that values scientific rigor, collaboration, and professional development.

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications

• RD3: Ph.D. in computer science, electrical or computer engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field, plus at least 4 years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated research contributions in one or more of the following areas:
• Quantum networking, distributed quantum computing, quantum computer systems or architectures, quantum-network simulation, computer networks or distributed systems, performance modeling of computing or communication systems.
• Demonstrated ability to define and pursue significant research directions and conduct research with substantial independence.
• Record of scientific or technical accomplishment demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, significant research software, technical systems, datasets, patents, or comparable research artifacts.
• Evidence of professional visibility or external recognition appropriate to career stage, such as invited presentations, widely used software, leadership in collaborative research, professional service, awards, or citations of published work.
• Experience developing research software using Python, C, C++, or comparable programming languages.
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research teams and communicate technical results clearly through publications, presentations, and interactions with research, sponsor, and broader stakeholder audiences.
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork.
  

Desired but Not Required Qualifications

• Experience developing or using quantum-network or distributed-quantum-computing simulators.
• Knowledge of quantum communication protocols, entanglement generation and distribution, quantum repeaters, quantum memories, or quantum error management.
• Experience with system architecture, resource allocation, scheduling, control-plane design, or orchestration for distributed or quantum computing systems.
• Experience integrating quantum-system models with classical networking, high-performance computing, or scientific workflow environments.
• Experience collaborating with experimental quantum researchers or evaluating software and architectural concepts using experimental systems.
• Experience leading technical tasks or coordinating research activities across multiple institutions or disciplinary teams.
• Experience preparing research proposals or contributing to sponsored research programs.
• Experience mentoring students, postdoctoral researchers, or junior technical staff.
• Familiarity with open-source software development practices, including collaborative development, testing, documentation, release management, and community engagement.

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.