Quantum Information Physicist

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay Range

$202,500 - $256,824 Annually for the SES.4 level 

$243,060 - $308,184 Annually for the SES.5 level 

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

We have an opening for a Quantum Information Physicist to work on algorithmic and theoretical development related to quantum algorithms and quantum error correction.  This position is in the Physics Division of the Physical & Life Sciences Directorate. You will provide scientific and administrative leadership for a team of Physical and Life Sciences (PLS) scientists, postdocs, and students. You will work with the Physics Division and the Directorate leadership to coordinate group staffing and recruiting, research directions, and resources to carry out fundamental and applied research in areas related to quantum information science.

This position will be filled at either the SES.4 or SES.5 level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Develop and apply novel quantum algorithms related to mission critical problems in the stockpile stewardship program.
• Set directions and undertake research in quantum error control
• Publish research results on quantum computing algorithms and quantum error correction in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Work with the LLNL team and its external collaborators developing and writing research proposals aimed at supporting advanced work in quantum computing.
• Prepare written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate quantum computing research results to diverse audiences, including lab management and external government sponsors
• Travel as necessary to interact with sponsors and customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.5 level

• You will apply, lead, and/or develop cutting-edge principles, theories, concepts, and technologies to quantum information science.
• Provide guidance and strategic vision for scientific and technical direction of projects. Brief work to senior management on overall impact and approach.
• Represent the Laboratory on external high-level scientific or technical committees.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information access which requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation.
• Ph.D. in theoretical physics and/or computational physics and/or quantum computing
• Highly advanced computational physics skills, including numerical methods, applied mathematics, and computer languages and operating systems relevant to large scale computation.
• Significant experience authoring technical and scientific reports, peer reviewed publications, and delivering scientific presentations.
• Significant experience developing research proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and strategic guidance for scientific and technical projects, including high level briefings to senior management and external stakeholders on project impact and approach.
• Track record of representing organizations on high-level scientific or technical committees.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.5 level

• Extensive experience providing solutions to highly unusual, complex, and/or sensitive problems that require in-depth analysis of multiple tangible and intangible factors and extremely creative/innovative approaches.
• Extensive experience leading diverse technical teams to shape and drive the scientific vision and direction of large-scale projects and deliver scientific results.
• Technical expert on large programs/ projects that affect the organizations long-term goals and objectives.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience working algorithm development and error control
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with experimental teams to achieve new scientific insights.
• In depth knowledge of one or more program government sponsors.
• Active DOE Q clearance

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  Also, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.