Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

To apply, applicants should go to https://uta.peopleadmin.com/postings/34809and submit the following materials:

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter describing research experience and interest in the position
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Contact information for 3 references
• Representative publications or links to relevant research software, when applicable
• Research statement describing your research vision and future career plan

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for the best consideration.

Questions may be addressed to Zongrui Pei at [email protected].

For more information about UTA, please visit: http://www.uta.edu/uta.

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number	F00824P
Position Title	Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department	Physics
Location	Arlington
Job Family	Faculty
Position Status	Full-time
Rank	Post-Doc
Work Hours	Standard
Open to	External and Internal
FLSA	Exempt
Duration	Funding expected to continue
Pay Basis	Monthly
Benefits Eligible	Yes
Job Summary	The Department of Physics & Division of Data Science in the College of Science, at the University of Texas at Arlington, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The successful candidate will develop AI-agent systems for automated quantum circuit generation, optimization, evaluation, and discovery. The research will explore large language models, reinforcement learning, search, and other artificial intelligence methods for developing autonomous workflows that interact with quantum-computing software, simulators, and hardware. The position provides an opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research spanning artificial intelligence, quantum computing, machine learning, scientific computing, and automated algorithm discovery. The researcher will work closely with the principal investigator and interdisciplinary collaborators and will have opportunities to publish research, present results at scientific conferences, develop open-source software, and contribute to research proposals. The initial contract will be for one year and may be renewed for an additional year upon mutual agreement.
Benefits at UTA	We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees at the University. To help you understand the full value of these benefits, we have created a tool that calculates the total worth of your compensation package. This tool takes into account all of the benefits that you are eligible for, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. To access this tool and learn more about the total value of your benefits, please click on the following link: https://resources.uta.edu/hr/services/records/compensation-tools.php
CBC Requirement	It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington to conduct a criminal background check on any applicant who is under final consideration for employment with the University. This position may have access to critical infrastructure as defined by Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code. If so, to be hired for and continue to be employed in this position you must maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure as set forth in Texas Executive Order GA-48. By assuming this position, and if you have access to critical infrastructure, you authorize the University to conduct routine background checks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities	Develop AI-agent architectures for automated quantum circuit generation, optimization, and evaluation (30%) Develop and evaluate large-language-model-, reinforcement-learning-, and search-based approaches for quantum circuit synthesis and algorithm discovery (25%) Implement and benchmark quantum algorithms using Qiskit and/or other quantum-computing frameworks (20%) Conduct computational experiments using quantum simulators, high-performance computing systems, GPUs, and, where available, quantum hardware (15%) Prepare manuscripts for publication and present research results at conferences, workshops, and seminars (5%) Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers and contribute to software development, research proposals, and other scholarly activities (5%)
Required Qualifications	Ph.D. in Quantum Information Science, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the time of appointment Demonstrated research experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, or a closely related field Strong programming skills in Python Experience with a modern machine-learning framework such as PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow Experience with quantum computing, quantum algorithms, or quantum-computing software such as Qiskit, Cirq, PennyLane, or an equivalent framework Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish scholarly work Strong written and oral communication skills Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment
Preferred Qualifications	Research experience in AI agents, autonomous AI systems, multi-agent systems, or agentic workflows Experience with large language models and LLM-based tool use or function calling Experience with reinforcement learning, planning, search, program synthesis, or automated algorithm discovery Research experience in quantum circuit generation, quantum circuit optimization, quantum compilation, quantum machine learning, VQE, QAOA, or related quantum algorithms Experience with Qiskit, PennyLane, Cirq, CUDA-Q, or other quantum-computing platforms Experience generating or optimizing quantum circuits using machine learning, evolutionary algorithms, reinforcement learning, or generative AI Experience with quantum circuit simulation and/or execution on quantum hardware Experience with GPU computing, high-performance computing, or distributed computing Experience developing reproducible scientific software and using Git/GitHub Demonstrated ability to publish research in AI, quantum computing, computational science, physics, engineering, or related fields
Special Conditions for Eligibility	In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is considered on an exception-only basis and is not routinely available.
Department Information	The Department of Physics at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), an R1 research institution, offers a comprehensive curriculum and diverse research opportunities spanning the major areas of modern physics. Students and scholars have the opportunity to explore topics at the forefront of scientific discovery while working alongside internationally recognized faculty. The department also provides postdoctoral research opportunities in astrophysics, condensed matter physics, high-energy and nuclear physics, and medical biophysics. Postdoctoral scholars collaborate on cutting-edge research projects supported by agencies such as NASA, the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), with responsibilities that include conducting research, mentoring students, presenting findings, and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. The College of Science at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is part of a Carnegie R1 institution recognized for its excellence in research, teaching, and student success. With more than 4,000 students and internationally recognized faculty, the College provides outstanding educational and research opportunities supported by state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative, multidisciplinary programs.
University Information	The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metroplex, a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area that is home to over 7 million people, one of the fastest-growing tech economies in the United States, and a wide array of arts, entertainment, and cultural activities. As a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution, UTA is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of more than 42,000 students, UTA is the second largest in the University of Texas System. As a result of its combination of rigorous academics and innovative research, UTA is designated as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution and nationally recognized for its commitment to student success and service. It ranks No. 5 in Military Times’ “Best for Vets: Colleges” and is the top university in North Texas for its graduates’ salaries (The Wall Street Journal). UTA is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution and is No. 6 for undergraduate ethnic diversity in the United States (U.S. News & World Report, 2023). With a global alumni network of approximately 280,000 – including leaders at many of the 24 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas – UTA contributes an estimated $29 billion annually to the Texas economy. UTA is expanding its regional footprint by building a regional campus, called UTA West, in Parker County on the far west side of Fort Worth. It is scheduled to open in fall 2028. This initiative aligns with the university’s strategic growth and commitment to serving the broader community. Furthermore, UTA has launched the RISE 100 initiative, aiming to recruit 100 new tenure-system faculty to strengthen its research enterprise and leadership in key academic areas. Learn more at https://www.uta.edu/administration/president/strategic-plan/rise100. This is an exciting time to join UTA and contribute to its bold vision for the future.
Working Title
EEO Statement	It is the policy of The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA or The University) to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. In accordance with federal and state law, the University prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, and/or veteran status. The University also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, and gender expression. Retaliation against persons who oppose a discriminatory practice, file a charge of discrimination, or testify for, assist in, or participate in an investigative proceeding relating to discrimination is prohibited. Constitutionally-protected expression will not be considered discrimination or harassment under this policy. It is the responsibility of all departments, employees, and students to ensure the University’s compliance with this policy.
ADA Accommodations	The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to 817-272-5554 or email [email protected].

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies	1
Desired Start Date	01/04/2027
Open Date	11/12/2026
Review Start Date	11/19/2026
Open Until Filled	Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants	To apply, applicants should go to https://uta.peopleadmin.com/postings/34809and submit the following materials: Required Documents: Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter describing research experience and interest in the position Unofficial Transcripts Contact information for 3 references Representative publications or links to relevant research software, when applicable Research statement describing your research vision and future career plan Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for the best consideration. Questions may be addressed to Zongrui Pei at [email protected]. For more information about UTA, please visit: http://www.uta.edu/uta.

Requirement Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a UTA employee?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * If you are a current UTA employee, please provide the name and department of your current supervisor. (If not current employee, enter "N/A")

   (Open Ended Question)

3. What is your PhD Discipline?

   (Open Ended Question)

4. What is your experience level with programming PHP, Python, or similar?
   • No skill or basic / None or less than 2 years
   • Intermediate / 2 to 3 years
   • Advanced / 4 to 5 years
   • Proficient / More than 6 years
5. Does the candidate have a strong interdisciplinary research approach to artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and related topics?

   (Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover/Interest Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. References (Additional)
5. Statement of Research Interests
6. Publications

Optional Documents