Quantum Simulations Software Developer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

13h • $134,664 - $164,604 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s NERSC division is seeking a Quantum Simulations Software Developer for the Advanced Technologies Group (ATG), which explores emerging computing technologies, including quantum computing, to accelerate scientific discovery. The project focuses on validating quantum-computer performance in the classical-hardness regime and developing scalable benchmarks to quantify and predict quantum-circuit fidelity without relying on classical simulations as quantum hardware advances.

The position primarily involves modifying and developing distributed state-vector and tensor-network simulations to run large-scale quantum circuits classically on NERSC resources such as Perlmutter. The work will examine limits on classical simulability as a function of qubit count, circuit depth, and entanglement, and assess how circuit characteristics affect traditional HPC resource requirements. The developer will also design simulation algorithms, explore approximate methods, and develop hardware-aware performance and resource models.

The anticipated start date is December 1, 2026. This is a full-time term appointment through September 29, 2028, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a career appointment depending on performance, funding, and operational needs. The role requires substantial on-site presence, with flexible work mode and hybrid schedules potentially available. Hybrid employees must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. In rare cases, full-time telework or remote work may be considered. The position is not eligible for relocation assistance, and visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

• Typically, at least 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 3 years with a master’s degree, or equivalent work experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of quantum-computing fundamentals 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, such as Python, Julia, or C++.
• Familiarity with common quantum-computing frameworks, such as Qiskit, Cirq, or Pennylane.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced research environment.
• Ability to prepare periodic written and oral updates for internal and external reviews or reports.
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems of diverse scope, evaluating identifiable factors in data analysis.
• Ability to network with senior internal and external personnel in the area of expertise.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of hire; visa sponsorship is not available.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with computing hardware, CPU/GPU architecture, and HPC systems.
• Experience with NVIDIA libraries for large-scale tensor constructions, such as cuTENSOR, cuTENSORNET, and cuTENSORMp.
• Experience with C3PQ or equivalent heuristic-based contraction algorithms in state-vector or tensor-network settings.
• Experience running large-scale computations on a supercomputer, including SLURM job scripts, GPU acceleration, and MPI communication.

Responsibilities

• Simulate the performance of quantum circuits on classical supercomputers.
• Design and optimize classical simulation algorithms for quantum circuits.
• Explore approximate simulation algorithms to improve 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, evaluating identifiable factors in data analysis.
• Use good judgment in selecting methods and techniques to obtain solutions.
• Network with senior internal and external personnel in the area of expertise.

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans.
• A culture that emphasizes belonging and investment in teams.
• Accrued vacation and sick time.
• Annual Winter Holiday Shutdown.
• Parental bonding leave for mothers and fathers.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level