Open Rank - Research Faculty in Theoretical Quantum Information Science and Quantum Gravity

We invite applications for postdoctoral associate or senior research associate positions in theoretical quantum information science and quantum gravity in the Physics Department of Virginia Tech.

The successful candidate will work in areas related to a subset of quantum information theory, quantum error correction, quantum gravity, and quantum many-body physics. There will also be an opportunity to test theoretical results on cloud quantum processors (Virginia Tech is in IBM’s Quantum Hub, which provides access to 20+ qubit devices). The position will start in fall 2023 and will be for two years, with a possible extension for a third year.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant group of graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty in quantum information theory across multiple departments on campus, including Ed Barnes, Charles (ChunJun) Cao, Sophia Economou, Atul Mantri, Nick Mayhall, Kyungwha Park, Vito Scarola, Jamie Sikora, Tianci Zhou at Virginia Tech and at the Virginia Tech Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering. There will be plenty of opportunities for collaboration with other members of the group and with some of the leading experimental and theory groups around the world.

Postdoctoral and senior research associate will conduct theoretical physics research in areas such as quantum information/quantum gravity, quantum error correction, and/or tensor network methods. Other responsibilities include communicating results in journal publications and conferences as well as mentoring junior members of the group. There will also involve opportunities for travel (once scientific travel is restored and safe) to present in conferences and to collaborate with other groups. Senior research associates will have additional responsibilities with potentially assisting the PIs with grant management.

- Postdoctoral associate applicants must hold a Ph.D. before the start date with a background in quantum information science, theoretical high energy physics, theoretical condensed matter, or a closely related field. Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
- Senior research associate applicants must have prior postdoctoral experience, and have a Ph.D. in quantum information science, theoretical high energy physics, theoretical condensed matter, or a closely related field. A strong background in quantum mechanics and programming skills are necessary.

Knowledge of concepts and techniques from quantum error correction, tensor networks, and/or quantum gravity are preferred. Experience with programming and numerical methods are preferred.

Materials Submission

Applicants should complete the faculty application online at www.jobs.vt.edu posting 522133 and attach a cover letter (optional), a curriculum vitae, a research statement (maximum two pages), a list of publications, and a list of three professional references including their email addresses.  Your references will be contacted directly for a reference letter during the application process.  

Restricted

Commensurate with experience

1/2/2023

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.