**Overview** At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate's (PCSD's) strengths in experimental, computational, and theoretical chemistry and materials science, together with our advanced computing, applied mathematics and data science capabilities, are central to the discovery mission we embrace at PNNL. But our most important resource is our people-experts across the range of scientific disciplines who team together to take on the biggest scientific challenges of our time.  The Advanced Computing, Mathematics, and Data Division (ACMDD) focuses on basic and applied computing research encompassing artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, computing technologies, and data and computational engineering. Our scientists and engineers apply end-to-end co-design principles to advance future energy-efficient computing systems and design the next generation of algorithms to analyze, model, understand, and control the behavior of complex systems in science, energy, and national security. **Responsibilities** The Future Computing Technologies group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a PhD intern for Fall/Winter 2025 with a strong background in quantum error correction (QEC), AI for quantum computing, distributed quantum computing (DQC), and hybrid continuous-variable/discrete-variable (CV-DV) systems. The selected intern will contribute to cutting-edge research as part of PNNL's Department of Energy-funded quantum projects. This work involves close collaboration with researchers at PNNL, other national laboratories, universities, and industry partners. Areas of focus include the development, application, benchmarking, compilation, and optimization of quantum algorithms and software. This internship can be completed on-site in Richland, WA (full-time, 40 hours/week), or remotely (part-time only, up to 20 hours/week). Responsibilities and accountabilities include: + Developing new algorithms for mapping linear algebra solvers (e.g., linear combination of unitaries, quantum signal processing, quantum Hamiltonian descent) to hybrid CV-DV systems + Mapping domain and QEC applications to the tensor-network and stabilizer simulators of NWQSim + Conducting research on compiler optimization for QEC codes such as quantum low-density parity-check (qLDPC) + Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed venues such as top-tier computer science conferences or physics journals + Collaborating with internal and external research staff and domain scientists + Participating in, and potentially leading, technical presentations + Engaging in regular team meetings and research discussions **Qualifications** Minimum Qualifications: + Candidates must be currently enrolled/matriculated in a PhD program at an accredited college + Minimum GPA of 3.0 is required Preferred Qualifications: + Educational background in computer science, quantum physics, or a related field + Hands-on experience with Quantum Error Correction (QEC) codes + Familiarity with quantum linear solver algorithms + Knowledge of continuous-variable and discrete-variable (CV-DV) quantum systems + Proficiency with Qiskit or other quantum computing frameworks + Experience working with real quantum hardware such as IBMQ, Quantinuum, IonQ, IQM, or Rigetti + Experience developing or deploying code on High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters + Familiarity with quantum transpilation and other circuit optimization techniques + Experience with large language models (LLMs) and reinforcement learning (RL) **Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment** Not Applicable. **Additional Information** Not Applicable. **Testing Designated Position** Not a Testing Designated Position. **About PNNL** Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. **Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity** Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . **Drug Free Workplace** PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. **Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements** In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. **Mandatory Requirements** Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. **Rockstar Rewards** **Regular Hourly:** Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Employees are eligible for the company funded pension plan and 401k savings plan, once eligibility requirements are met. **Temporary Hourly:** Employees are offered an employee assistance program and business travel insurance. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards) **Notice to Applicants** PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position. **Minimum Salary** USD $23.53/Hr. **Maximum Salary** USD $35.30/Hr.