Senior Research Scientist

KBR•Mountain View, CA

About The Position

The Intelligent Systems Research and Development Support (ISRDS) contract supports NASA Ames Research Center in developing and infusing advanced technology into NASA missions. Our scientists, engineers and technologists support research and development of critical enabling technologies for all of the NASA Mission Directorates. This KBR-led team has supported technology development for NASA space exploration missions such as LADEE, VIPER, Biosentinel, Starling and TESS, supports payload development for the International Space Station, and develops robotics and autonomous operations technologies for lunar and planetary exploration, and performs research in materials modeling (including quantum materials) and quantum computing. KBR is looking for a Senior Research Scientist to support the Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab (QuAIL) at NASA Ames. This person must have a strong expertise in quantum algorithms development, quantum simulation, quantum error correction and a deep understanding of the physics behind quantum algorithms. We are looking for a candidate with at least 6 years of experience in exploring quantum computing including hardware experience and classical simulators of quantum systems. This person will lead independent research through numerical and theoretical analysis, exploring quantum error-correction, quantum algorithms, for near-term applications on quantum devices, as well as early fault-tolerant and utility-scale architectures. This person must be skilled in both numerical and analytical evaluation of the performance of quantum and classical algorithms and architectures comparing different quantum and quantum-classical hybrid approaches with each other and with state-of-the-art classical alternatives. This individual must have demonstrated experience leading a team of researchers in quantum computing, and in leading technical proposal efforts.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
6+ years of experience in quantum computing
Demonstrated ability to lead small teams
Strong interest in management and leadership development
Excellent oral and written communication skills

Responsibilities

Will lead the ISRDS task in Quantum Computing
Will serve as primary interface with the Ames Quantum Artificial Intelligence laboratory (QuAIL)
Will lead research on quantum error-correction and quantum algorithms
Will lead research on fundamental quantum mechanisms and their use in quantum computation
Will supervise researchers in quantum computation
May support and lead other related tasks in quantum sciences, data sciences and AI-based technologies