Quantum Simulations Software Developer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (NERSC) is hiring a Quantum Simulations Software Developer to advance large-scale classical quantum circuit simulations on NERSC resources.

Responsibilities

• Simulate quantum circuit performance on classical supercomputers
• Design and optimize classical simulation algorithms for quantum circuits
• Evaluate approximate simulation approaches to improve scalability on classical hardware
• Develop hardware-aware performance models and planners for distributed MPS simulation
• Develop circuit-level resource models for classical quantum simulation
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present progress at scientific conferences, workshops, and technical meetings
• Handle problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
• Apply good judgment in selecting methods and techniques to reach solutions
• Network with senior internal and external personnel in the area of expertise

Requirements

• Typically requires minimum 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 fundamentals of quantum computing 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: Python, Julia, or C++
• Familiarity with quantum computing frameworks: Qiskit, Cirq, Pennylane
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced research environment
• Ability to prepare periodic updates (written and oral) for internal and external reviews or reports
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors
• Ability to network with senior internal and external personnel in the area of expertise
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Technologies & Tools

• Python, Julia, C++, Qiskit, Cirq
• Pennylane
• Tensor networks
• NVIDIA libraries: cuTENSOR, cuTENSORNET, cuTENSORMp
• C3PQ
• SLURM
• GPU acceleration
• MPI
• Distributed MPS simulation
• Distributed state-vector simulations
• Perlmutter

Desired Skills / Knowledge

• Familiarity with computing hardware, CPU/GPU architecture, and using HPC systems
• Experience with NVIDIA libraries for large-scale tensor constructions (cuTENSOR, cuTENSORNET, 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

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Vacation and sick time, plus a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year
• Pet insurance
• A culture where you’ll belong, with investment in teams

Position Details

• Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA (hybrid)
• Salary: USD 119,712 - 202,020 per yearly
• Appointment type: Full-time, until September 29, 2028 term appointment with possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based on satisfactory performance, continuing availability of funds, and operational needs
• Application timing: Priority consideration for applications submitted by November 20, 2026; applications accepted until the job posting is removed
• Background check: Required; convictions are evaluated for direct relation to responsibilities and requirements
• Work authorization: Must be eligible to work in the U.S. at time of hire; visa sponsorship not available
• Relocation: Not eligible for relocation assistance
• Union represented: Represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes

Work Modality

• Substantial on-site presence required, with eligibility for flexible work mode
• Hybrid work may be considered: on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA plus some telework
• Hybrid schedule requires residing within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab
• Work schedules depend on business needs; in rare cases, full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered