Quantum Solutions Physicist

Summary

Join PsiQuantum's Quantum Solutions team as a Quantum Solutions Physicist and contribute to building the world's first useful quantum computer. You will bridge the gap between fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) and established computational physics and chemistry tools, integrating them with machine learning for quantum computer-aided materials design. This role involves innovative research, collaboration with experts, and developing computational workflows combining conventional and FTQC approaches. The ideal candidate possesses a PhD in computational physics or chemistry, strong coding skills, and a deep understanding of computational methodologies. While prior knowledge of quantum information and FTQC is preferred, it's not mandatory; a strong interest in learning is key. This position offers opportunities for personal growth and leadership within a supportive and collaborative environment.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in computational (theoretical) physics, chemistry, or a closely related field with a strong focus on computational methodology development
• Strong foundational knowledge in density functional theory (DFT)
• Strong foundational knowledge in computational solid-state physics
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with the Fermi-Hubbard model or similar strongly correlated lattice models, e.g., familiarity with computational techniques such as exact diagonalization, quantum Monte Carlo (QMC), tensor network methods (e.g., Matrix Product States, PEPS), or comparable approaches for handling complex entanglement and correlations
• Hands-on experience with molecular and materials modeling for applied research problems
• Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and dynamic team environment
• Expert-level Python coding skills

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative research, literature analysis, problem solving, and quantum workflow design in the areas of quantum-informed materials modeling, and computational physics and chemistry
• Collaborate with quantum algorithm experts where quantum computing can be deployed with greatest impact in computational physics, chemistry, and materials problems
• Contributing non-quantum-computing algorithm expertise to the development of in-house quantum algorithms
• Serve as a technical lead in customer projects by collaborating with customers’ teams to integrate quantum computing-produced computational outputs into conventional customer workflows
• Act as an interface between partner teams and PsiQuantum quantum information experts for innovative algorithm selection, development, prioritization, and deployment
• Develop computational workflows that combine best-in-class conventional approaches (e.g., through high performance computing (HPC)) with the breakthrough computational abilities of FTQC to reshape how quantum (materials) chemistry workflows are designed
• Serve as a computational quantum (materials) physics and chemistry source of knowledge to PsiQuantum’s Quantum Solutions team, keeping aware of recent academic literature, trends, and tools
• Build strong cross-team relationships within PsiQuantum to enable innovative use of quantum algorithms to achieve maximum impact for quantum computing-generated data
• Help shape external-facing materials that champion the applications of FTQC in relevant industries (for key opinion leaders, media, and partners)
• Build and maintain external partnerships and collaborations on the topic which can include meetings, group problem solving sessions, or drafting research proposals, among others
• Create organized internal reports and well document progress made for directions above

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with quantum dynamics and excited states physics and chemistry
• DFT methodology development experience, e.g., development of new exchange-correlation functionals
• Deep understanding of and hands-on experience with machine learning (ML) and active learning techniques as they apply to computational physics, chemistry, and materials informatics
• Experience in effective modeling of light-matter interactions
• Experience with applying quantum computing and algorithms to physics, chemistry, and materials problems
• Industry/professional experience would be a plus
• Knowledge of quantum embedding theories (e.g., embedded correlated wavefunctions, DMET, etc.)
• Experience with localized molecular orbitals, Wannier functions, or active space selection
• Hands-on experience with advanced quantum mechanical wavefunction-based methods, especially coupled clusters, and potentially configuration interaction methods, e.g., CASCI, CASSCF
• Demonstrated scientific communication skills through academic publications

Benefits

• Equity
• Benefits