Postdoctoral Associate/Senior Research Associate

About this position

Job Description

• We invite applications for postdoctoral associate or research
• associate positions in theoretical Quantum Information Science in
• the Physics Department of Virginia Tech.

• The focus of these positions will be on quantum computing and
• quantum simulation, quantum networks, and quantum control. There
• will also be an opportunity to test theoretical results on cloud
• quantum processors.

• The successful candidates will join a vibrant research environment
• in the quantum information groups of Profs. Sophia Economou and
• Edwin Barnes at Virginia Tech. 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. Our group is part of the DOE Quantum Center “Codesign for
• quantum advantage” (https://www.bnl.gov/quantumcenter/), and there
• will be opportunities for collaboration with the researchers of the
• center. The Postdoctoral and Senior Research Associate positions
• will also involve opportunities for travel to present in
• conferences and to collaborate with other groups. Postdoctoral and
• Senior Research Associates will conduct research in the above areas
• and disseminate results in journal publications and conference
• presentations. Senior Research Associates will have additional
• responsibilities with mentoring the junior group members and
• potentially assisting the PIs with grant management.

Required Qualifications

• Postdoctoral associate applicants must hold a Ph.D. in either Quantum Information Science, Theoretical Condensed Matter, AMO Physics or a closely related field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining. A strong background in Quantum Mechanics and programming skills are necessary.

• Senior research associate applicants must have a Ph.D. in either Quantum Information Science, Theoretical Condensed Matter, AMO Physics or a closely related field. Prior postdoctoral experience. A strong background in Quantum Mechanics and programming skills are necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of concepts and techniques from Quantum Information
• Science are preferred. Experience with Python and Mathematica is
• preferred.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Hours per week

40

Review Date

01/15/2026

Additional Information

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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C.
• area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites
• in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous
• Extension offices and
• research institutes . A leading global research institution,
• Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research
• annually.

• Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional
• development opportunities and university shared governance . These valuable
• contributions to university shared governance provide important
• representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique
• and impactful professional development.

• Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or
• applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including
• pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic
• information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation,
• race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or
• otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire
• about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation
• of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected
• by law.

• If you are an individual with a disability and desire an
• accommodation, please contact Jackie Woodyard at woodyaj@vt.edu
• during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to
• the event.