Quantum Frontiers Postdoctoral Scholar

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) at Penn State invites applications for the position of inaugural Quantum Frontiers Postdoctoral Scholar. Two positions are available this year: one focused on Quantum + Security and the other on Quantum + AI. These are separate searches. This advertisement is for the Quantum + AI position and is intended for applicants whose research advances the development and application of AI methods for quantum computing, as well as the use of quantum-inspired approaches to enhance AI systems.

Artificial intelligence and quantum computing are converging to define the next frontier of scientific discovery, national competitiveness, and economic transformation. Penn State is uniquely positioned—through its breadth of expertise, interdisciplinary institutes, and land-grant mission—to lead at this intersection. To accelerate progress in this emerging area, the Quantum Frontiers Postdoctoral Scholar will serve as a catalyst for high-impact research, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and growth in external funding at the intersection of quantum computing and AI.

We seek candidates who will conduct innovative research at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Quantum Machine Learning and AI: Develop novel quantum algorithms and computational frameworks for machine learning, generative AI, data analytics, and intelligent decision-making, while advancing the theoretical foundations of quantum-enhanced learning systems.

• Quantum Algorithms for Optimization and Scientific Computing: Design and analyze quantum algorithms for optimization, combinatorial search, differential equations, scientific simulation, and other computational challenges arising in engineering, mathematics, and the physical sciences.

• AI for Quantum Systems: Apply machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to improve the characterization, control, calibration, error mitigation, and overall performance of quantum computing systems and quantum devices.

• AI-Driven Quantum Algorithm and Circuit Design: Develop AI-powered methods for the automated discovery, design, compilation, verification, and optimization of quantum algorithms and quantum circuits, enabling more efficient and scalable quantum software development.

• Hybrid Quantum-Classical Computing for Scientific Discovery: Create hybrid quantum-classical approaches that combine advances in quantum computing and AI to accelerate scientific discovery and address complex challenges in areas such as materials science, chemistry, biology, healthcare, and other data-intensive scientific domains.

This position aligns strongly with Penn State’s growing strengths in AI foundations, AI-enabled scientific discovery, and emerging initiatives in quantum computing. The successful candidate will contribute to the university’s efforts to advance AI-powered science and quantum innovation while helping to build new interdisciplinary research collaborations.

The scholar will be based in the College of IST and will have opportunities to collaborate broadly across Penn State, including with the Penn State Quantum Hub (https://quantum.psu.edu/), Penn State AI Hub(https://ai.psu.edu/), Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (https://icds.psu.edu/), and other Penn State interdisciplinary research institutes (https://www.psu.edu/research/interdisciplinary-institutes).These affiliations will provide access to advanced computational infrastructure, world-class interdisciplinary collaborators, and pathways to large-scale external funding opportunities.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to:

• Conduct original research in quantum machine learning and AI, quantum algorithms for optimization and scientific computing, hybrid quantum-classical computing for scientific discovery, AI for quantum systems, or closely related areas.

• Collaborate with faculty and researchers across AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, computer systems, mathematics, engineering, and policy to advance interdisciplinary research initiatives.

• Contribute to the development of externally funded research programs by participating in proposal preparation and collaborative research efforts for agencies such as the NSF, DOE, DARPA, and other federal and industry sponsors.

• Develop and help deliver a Quantum + AI course that introduces students to the foundations, methods, applications, and emerging opportunities at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

• Help enhance the College of IST’s visibility, reputation, and research portfolio in Quantum + AI, and engage with Penn State's interdisciplinary research ecosystem, including the Quantum Hub, AI Hub, Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, and other university-wide initiatives focused on AI-powered science and emerging technologies.

• Disseminate research results through publications in leading conferences and journals, open-source software and tools when appropriate, and presentations to academic, government, and industry audiences.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and contribute to the development of a vibrant and collaborative research community in quantum computing and AI.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in computer science, information science, artificial intelligence, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, physics, or a closely related field by the start date of the appointment. Candidates should have demonstrated research experience in one or more of the research areas described above. Experience with quantum computing software frameworks, programming environments, and quantum hardware platforms is desirable. Applicants should have a strong publication record and demonstrated potential to conduct independent, high-impact research in interdisciplinary and collaborative environments.

Appointment Details

The position is a full-time postdoctoral appointment with an anticipated start date in Fall 2026, although an earlier start date may be possible. Medical insurance and other standard university benefits are provided. The scholar will initially be supervised by the Head of the Department of Informatics and Intelligent Systems (IIS) in the College of IST to support their integration into the department and the broader Penn State research community. Based on research interests and alignment, the scholar will have opportunities to collaborate with and be co-mentored by faculty across Penn State.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter describing their research interests, qualifications, and fit for the Quantum + AI position.

• A current curriculum vitae.

• A research statement (up to two pages) outlining past research accomplishments, current research interests, and future research directions.

• Up to three representative publications or preprints.

• Names and contact information for three professional references.

System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

About Penn State

Penn State is a leading public research university with internationally recognized strengths in information sciences and technology, computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-centered computing, and interdisciplinary research. This position will play a key role in advancing Penn State’s strategic investment in quantum computing and artificial intelligence, contributing to the University's efforts to establish national leadership in Quantum and AI research, education, and innovation.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

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Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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