Research Scientist, Hybrid Quantum-HPC Systems Architecture

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

The Advanced Technologies Section at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead a research area focused on developing integration models for the co-design of hybrid quantum-HPC systems. The work spans system design, modeling, and digital twins to determine how quantum computers can be integrated into future scientific computing systems. The role leads R&D using digital twins and simulations to explore and test hybrid quantum-HPC system designs before they are built. It examines which classical HPC technologies should be located near quantum computers and how these tightly coupled resources can integrate with large-scale HPC and AI facilities for science. Findings will inform vendor co-design discussions and requirements for future scientific computing systems. The research area lead directs research staff, postdocs, and graduate students; develops models informed by measurements from ORNL quantum-HPC testbeds; and collaborates with industry partners and the broader HPC and quantum computing research community. The role also defines future R&D directions for quantum-HPC systems architecture.

Requirements

PhD in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computational science, or a related field.
At least 2 years of research experience beyond the PhD in HPC systems, computer architecture, quantum computing systems, or a related area, with a record of independent research.
Some experience as a technical lead on research carried out by others, such as directing a project team, mentoring postdocs or students, or leading a multi-institution project or workstream. Formal supervisory experience is not required.

Nice To Haves

Research on hybrid classical-quantum systems, including quantum hardware platforms, quantum-classical interfaces, control systems, or hybrid workflows and software stacks.
HPC system design, integration, or characterization experience.
Modeling and simulation of computer systems, such as digital twins, architectural or network simulators, or performance models validated against real hardware.
Experience with networks and interconnects coupling quantum and classical resources, such as low-latency links between quantum control systems and HPC nodes.
Experience with heterogeneous and accelerator-based architectures, including GPUs working alongside quantum processors.
Co-design work with system vendors.
Clear communication with sponsors, leadership, and the research community.

Responsibilities

Lead the research area developing integration models for co-design of hybrid quantum-HPC systems; set the research agenda, plan milestones, coordinate contributors, and report progress with program leadership.
Drive R&D into hybrid quantum-HPC system design, including integration architectures, communication paths between classical and quantum resources, and the system software that connects them.
Build digital twins and simulations of hybrid quantum-HPC systems, calibrate them using testbed measurements, and evaluate designs at scales and in configurations that do not yet exist.
Guide the technical direction of research staff, postdocs, and graduate students, and mentor them in research design, publication, and proposal writing.
Extend the research agenda into adjacent systems areas as the work matures, including interconnects and data paths linking quantum and classical resources.
Represent ORNL in vendor co-design engagements, DOE program reviews, and community forums such as SC and IEEE Quantum Week.
Publish peer-reviewed work, write proposals, and secure external funding to grow the research portfolio.