Fermilab’s Theory Division/Quantum Theory Department is inviting applications for one or more postdoctoral Research Associate positions in the area of theoretical quantum information science (QIS), working at its interface with High Energy Physics, quantum field theory, and fundamental physics. This position is for a three (3) year term. We are seeking candidates with a doctorate in theoretical physics who have demonstrated outstanding creativity and a high level of competence in their research.

Topics of interest include:

• Quantum simulation of quantum field theories describing strongly coupled systems

• Applying quantum technologies and quantum sensors to probe fundamental physics, including dark matter and new physics searches.

• Quantum algorithms for traditional computational problems in HEP

• Broad connections of QIS and fundamental physics

QIS is an active and growing research direction at Fermilab’s Theory Division and in the lab more broadly (https://quantum.fnal.gov/). Quantum Theory Department members also play a role in the recently launched Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems center (SQMS), Fermilab’s National Quantum Initiative (NQI) center (https://sqms.fnal.gov) which will build a beyond state-of-the-art quantum computer and advance quantum sensing. The Theory Department also leads a QIS-HEP theory QuantISED consortium in collaboration with groups at Caltech, U. of Washington- INT, MIT, UIUC, and Purdue U. The successful candidate will play central roles in these efforts and enhance the theoretical QIS research in the department. Within SQMS, theorists will have an opportunity to interact with experimentalists advancing the state of the art in coherent superconducting devices to pursue applications in both quantum computation and quantum sensing.

The Fermilab Theory Division has a strong research program in high energy physics, astro-particle physics, cosmology and quantum theory. Current staff members of the Quantum Theory Department are Asher Berlin, Marcela Carena, Roni Harnik, Gordon Krnjaic, Henry Lamm and Michael Wagman, together with several postdoctoral researchers. They interact frequently with other division scientists (John Campbell, Bogdan Dobrescu, Patrick Fox, Walter Giele, Nick Gnedin, Christopher Hill, Stefan Höche, Dan Hooper, Andreas Kronfeld, Pedro Machado, Stephen Parke, Noemi Rocco, Albert Stebins, and Ruth Van de Water). Further details about the Theory Division are posted on our website: https://theory.fnal.gov/.

Essential Job Functions

• Conducts active research in the area. Interacts regularly with postdocs, students, and other staff in the lab.

• Publishes papers related to scientific research.

• Gives seminar and conference presentations related to area of specialty or assignment.

• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or relevant subject.

• Established track record of research in the field.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills as demonstrated by presentations at conferences and a strong record of publications in scientific journals.

Application Instructions:

Candidates should submit applications via Academic Jobs Online:

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/20474

1) Curriculum Vitae,

2) List of publications,

3) Statement of research interests, and

4) Three or more letters of recommendation, submitted to AJO by the reference writers.

To learn more about members of the Particle Theory Department and the Theory Division, please visit https://theory.fnal.gov/.

For other general information about these positions, please contact Theory Division Administrative Assistant Olivia Vizcarra at olivia@fnal.gov.

All FRA employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19, unless the employee is legally entitled to an accommodation based on a medical condition/disability or a sincerely held religious belief. 

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is critical to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non- factor. merit