Quantum Researcher / Engineering and Physical Sciences Researcher - Experienced to Expert Level (Maryland)
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The NSA invites you to be part of an elite team that's making a global impact by researching and developing revolutionary ideas. As a Quantum Researcher at NSA, your creativity and that of your team is essential to investigating and implementing effective technical solutions for our Nation. Your efforts will drive global impacts that may include saving the lives of U.S. and ally soldiers, providing U.S. policy and decision makers with critical, timely intelligence, ensuring the continued safety of U.S. citizens and residents by thwarting foreign adversaries, and defending vital networks. You can learn more about LPS and its mission by visiting The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.\n\nDegree must be in either (1) Engineering, (2) Physics or Astronomy from an accredited college or university, or (3) a relevant professional technical field (for example, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, geology).\n\nFor Engineering degrees, if program is not ABET EAC accredited, it must include specified coursework.\n\nSpecified coursework includes courses in differential and integral calculus and 5 of the following 18 areas: (a) statics or dynamics, (b) strength of materials/stress-strain relationships, (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics, (d) thermodynamics, (e) electromagnetic fields, (f) nature and properties of materials/relating particle and aggregate structure to properties, (g) solid state electronics, (h) microprocessor applications, (i), computer systems, (j) signal processing, (k) digital design, (l) systems and control theory, (m) circuits or generalized circuits, (n) communication systems, (o) power systems, (p) computer networks, (q) software development, (r) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, or soil mechanics.\n\nRelevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing engineering or physical sciences work, or conducting academic or independent research in a technical field (for example, mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences and physical sciences).\n\nFULL PERFORMANCE\nEntry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.\n\nSENIOR\nEntry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 3 years of relevant experience. \n\nEXPERT\nEntry is a Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 6 years of relevant experience. NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) drives physical sciences research in future information technologies to prevent technological surprise. Founded in 1956 in partnership with the University of Maryland, LPS has evolved a model of basic and applied research that focuses on government engagement with academia and industry.\n\nLPS is seeking a diverse set of scientists with experience in quantum technologies, driven to push the frontiers of science. Our quantum information scientists work in a fast-paced team environment where university, industry, and federal government scientists collaborate on research in quantum and cryogenic devices, advanced communication, sensing, and computer technologies. \n\nLPS is excited to leverage your expertise, ideas, and vision to serve in one of the following roles: \n\nQuantum Information Science Researcher: \nConduct experimental or theoretical research into the fundamental limitations of qubit devices and the development of novel qubits with the potential to disrupt the application space of quantum technologies.\n\nQuantum Information Science Researcher - Team Leader: \nSet research goals, participate in and direct research focused on conducting experimental or theoretical studies to further understanding of the fundamental limitations of qubit devices and invent qubits with the potential to disrupt the application space of quantum technologies.\n\nAs a valued member of the LPS team, you will leverage your expertise, ideas, and vision to:\n- Lead projects that shape the future of U.S. computing interests\n- Conduct research in modeling and simulation of quantum information systems\n- Collaborate with leading scientists in quantum computing across government, industry, and academia to understand the latest state-of-the-art research, and identify future research gaps and needs\n- Implement strategies by directing U.S. Government investments\n- Advance U.S. leadership in Quantum Information Science (QIS) for the benefit of the entire nation\n\nExperience in the following areas are desired:\n- Quantum Hardware Development\n- Quantum Supporting technologies and methods\n- Quantum protocol development, including quantum error correction\n- Characterization, analysis, and physical constraints of quantum systems\n- Maturing quantum technologies\n- Several layers of a quantum information system hierarchy, from micro-physics to logical You are someone who has excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a desire to guide and influence a broad research community, thrives on solving problems, and is able to:\n\n- Apply knowledge of mathematics, engineering, cognitive sciences, and physical sciences to analyze problems and determine technical solutions\n- Work effectively across several different functional areas in a fast-paced, collaborative environment\n- Handle and prioritize multiple assignments\n- Synthesize information to solve complex problems