Intern, R&D Graduate Year Round

About the Role

We are seeking a year-round graduate intern specializing in quantum algorithms. The position will be mostly remote work with the opportunity for planned site visits. The selected candidate will collaborate with research teams and contribute to cutting-edge projects in quantum computing. Successful candidates will demonstrate technical leadership, produce high-quality research results, and publish innovative findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Contributions to open-source software are encouraged. Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a hybrid, team-oriented environment are highly valued.

Project Areas May Include

• Designing and analyzing algorithms for high energy physics models, with an emphasis on methods suitable for future quantum computing architectures and applications relevant to high energy physics.
• Developing and studying Quantum Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) schemes for future quantum computing architectures.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Earned bachelor's degree
• Currently attending and enrolled full-time in an accredited science, engineering, or math graduate program
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
• Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States of America (Sandia will not sponsor work authorization)

Qualifications We Desire

• Pursuing a degree in computer science, physics, or a similar field
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: quantum information science, quantum computing, high energy physics, Bayesian inference, Markov Chain Monte Carlo schemes
• Relevant publication record

About Our Team

Sandia's Quantum Information Science department develops algorithms and tools that enable test and evaluation of experimental hardware, algorithms, and software stacks for near-term quantum computers, and sensing capabilities. Department R&D focuses on noise characterization, benchmarking, simulation, error models, quantum control, quantum algorithms, and quantum sensing. The department collaborates closely with researchers in related areas, experimentalist groups, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offices, and other U.S. government agencies. You will have the opportunity to join the QPL (develops and deploys techniques for assessing and improving quantum computing hardware performance) and QuAAC (works on all aspects of quantum algorithms, including design, analysis, and resource estimates) groups. Both groups maintain a strong culture of collaboration and are committed to advancing the field of quantum computing. Their research is published in scientific journals including Nature, Nature Physics, Nature Communications, Physical Review X, PRX Quantum, and Physical Review Letters.

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is a premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation.

• Challenging work with significant impact.
• Extraordinary co-workers.
• Access to excellent tools, equipment, and research facilities.
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements (e.g., compressed workweeks, part-time, telecommuting).
• Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, and relocation assistance.

Security Clearance

This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance. Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review. Federal law generally prohibits citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation from accessing Sandia National Laboratories, unless they are also a U.S. citizen. If hired without a clearance and one becomes necessary, a pre-processing background review may be conducted. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens.

• The Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process is required for members of the workforce who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days.