[Hiring] Chief Computer Scientist 5 - Quantum Computing @Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Role Description

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory seeks a Chief Scientist in Quantum Computing to provide senior scientific leadership in quantum computing architectures, compilation, large-scale simulation, and fault-tolerant scalability, supporting PNNL’s contributions to the Quantum Science Center (QSC) and PNNL’s Internal Research Investment QuAADS.

This position is focused on end-to-end, system-level research across the quantum computing stack and hybrid quantum HPC systems. The successful candidate will help align architectures, compilers, error models, simulation, and hybrid quantum–classical execution to determine how fault-tolerant quantum computing can be realized in practice for scientific workloads.

• Guide and extend PNNL’s existing quantum software and simulation capabilities, including large-scale, noise-aware simulation on leadership-class HPC systems.
• Provide scientific leadership in the design and evaluation of quantum computing architectures and fault-tolerant systems, focusing on system-level feasibility and scalability.
• Coordinate research across the full quantum computing stack, ensuring technical consistency.
• Focus areas include:
  • Research on large-scale, noise-aware quantum simulation.
  • Advancing and applying quantum modeling and simulation tools.
  • Studying architectural scalability, compilation strategies, and fault-tolerance trade-offs.
• Coordinate and provide research leadership while collaborating with teams on hybrid algorithms, scientific applications, and experimental validation efforts.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed venues and present findings in technical reviews and workshops.
• Contribute to the development of reusable research software and modeling tools.
• Mentor senior staff, scientists, and postdoctoral researchers in research methods, technical rigor, and scientific communication.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant experience -OR-
  • MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR-
  • PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Extensive experience with demonstrated impact and recognition in quantum computing systems, architectures, or software.
  • Established expertise in quantum computer simulation, compilation, or system-level modeling for noisy or fault-tolerant systems.
  • Strong applied knowledge of quantum error correction and fault-tolerant architectures.
  • Prior experience working within DOE-funded programs, national laboratories, or comparable research environments.
  • Proven leadership in defining scientific and technical objectives with influence across programs.
  • Successful capture, planning, and execution of complex interdisciplinary projects.
  • Sustained record of high-quality publications, software contributions, or technical leadership.
  • Ability to secure and sustain funding that supports staff, project teams, and long-term research directions.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Robust telehealth care options
• Several mental health benefits
• Free wellness coaching
• Health savings account
• Flexible spending accounts
• Basic life insurance
• Disability insurance*
• Employee assistance program
• Business travel insurance
• Tuition assistance
• Relocation
• Backup childcare
• Legal benefits
• Supplemental parental bonding leave
• Surrogacy and adoption assistance
• Fertility support
• Company-funded pension plan*
• 401(k) savings plan with company match*
• Up to 120 vacation hours per year
• Ten paid holidays per year