Senior Research Scientist, Hybrid Quantum-HPC Systems Architecture (Technical Lead)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

The Advanced Technologies Section (ATS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead research developing integration models for the co-design of hybrid quantum-HPC systems. The work spans system design, modeling, and digital twins, with the goal of determining how quantum computers can be integrated into future scientific computing systems. As the overall lead for this research area, you will direct R&D into hybrid quantum-HPC system design and use digital twins and simulations to explore and test designs before they are built. This includes examining which classical HPC technologies need to be located near quantum computers and how tightly coupled quantum and classical resources can integrate with large-scale HPC and AI facilities for science. The work will inform vendor co-design discussions and requirements for future scientific computing systems. You will lead research staff, postdocs, and graduate students; use measurements from ORNL quantum-HPC testbeds to develop and calibrate models; collaborate with industry partners and the broader HPC and quantum computing research community; and define future R&D directions for quantum-HPC systems architecture. The position also involves representing ORNL in vendor engagements, DOE program reviews, and community forums; publishing peer-reviewed research; writing proposals; and securing external funding.

Requirements

PhD in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, physics, computational science, or a related field.
At least 6 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.
Experience serving as a technical lead for research conducted 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.
Experience modeling and simulating computer systems, such as with digital twins, architectural or network simulators, or performance models validated against real hardware.
Experience with networks and interconnects that couple 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 experience 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 its 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 system software.
Build digital twins and simulations of hybrid quantum-HPC systems, calibrate them using testbed measurements, and evaluate designs at scales and 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, 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.