Postbaccalaureate Researcher

Position Title: Postbaccalaureate Researcher.
Department: Physics.
Classification: Non-Exempt.
FTE: 1.0.
Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Salary Range: $21 $23.

Position Overview:
The Physics Department at St. Olaf College invites applications for a two-month position of Postbaccalaureate Researcher beginning July 2026 (negotiable). The candidate will work to develop scientific expertise in applications of quantum computing to theoretical nuclear physics. The job will involve close collaborations with undergraduate students already working on related research questions.

The candidate should have a Bachelor of Arts (preferably in Physics) and interest in physics and mathematics. The ideal candidate will be familiar with quantum mechanics and linear algebra (preferably also Dirac Notation).

Essential Job Duties:

• Scientific Research.
  • Conduct scientific research on quantum computing under supervision.
  • Communicate findings and discuss challenges and future pathways.
  • Travel to Brookhaven National Laboratory (Upton NY) to develop an understanding of computational infrastructure.
    
• Research Mentorship.
  • Conduct regular research meetings with undergraduate students (Spring semester and summer).
  • Assist students in planning research direction for assigned projects.
    
• Support respect and commit to embracing diverse backgrounds values and points of view to build a strong and inclusive community.
  
• Complete and meet deadlines for required training and performance management cycle.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Reports to the Associate Professor of Physics.
• This position supervises student workers.
  

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Arts and Sciences.
    
• Experience:
  • Programming experience in Python.
    

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelors degree in physics.
    
• Experience:
  • Preferred level of experience or specific experience.
  • Research experience in quantum computing and knowledge of IBM Qiskit.
  • Experience with Dirac Notation.
    

Prerequisites:

• Employment in this position is conditioned upon successful completion of a background check which may include: criminal background checks reference checks verification of work history verification of any required academic credentials licenses and/or certifications a motor vehicle check verification of DOT certification a credit check employment eligibility verification and/or a pre-employment physical. Whether a background check is deemed successfully completed will be at the sole discretion of St. Olaf College. Please note St. Olaf College reserves the right to conduct periodic background checks at its sole discretion.
  

Disclaimer:

• This position may require you to report early stay late or work different shifts depending on staffing levels. It may also require you to perform all essential job functions whenever needed and during campus emergencies when necessary.
• This job description is for general information purposes. It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position. This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College with or without prior notice.
• Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the hire is complete. We accept only online applications.