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The National Security Agency (NSA) launched the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) Qubit Collaboratory (LQC) in 2020. The LQC is a National Quantum Information Science Research Center supporting the National Quantum Initiative. The LQC pursues disruptive qubit research, innovative workforce development programs, and deep, collaborative partnerships to tackle some of the hardest open problems in quantum information science and technology. Fostering the next generation of Quantum Information Scientists is a top priority for the LQC.

Project:

The LQC National Quantum Fellowship Program supports research of talented U.S. citizen graduate students and postdoctoral candidates to stimulate participation in research related to quantum computing by pursuing research focused on advancing quantum information science (QIS) devices. Research topics must be connected to advancing qubit devices and may be experimental or theoretical in nature. While the emphasis is on quantum computing, proposals for quantum sensing and networking will also be considered. The duration of the graduate student fellowship is three years and two years for postdoctoral fellowships. All fellows will present a poster presentation or talk at the LQC Program Review (LQCPR) in the College Park, MD area. 

Anticipated Start Date

Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.

Benefits:

Participants will receive a stipend to be determined by NSA-LPS-LQC. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.  Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Eligible recipients of the LQC National Quantum Fellowships are U.S. citizen graduate students or postdocs who either will research or are researching quantum computing at a U.S. academic institution. Applicants in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or other disciplines relevant to QIS with a background from either within or outside QIS are encouraged. Applications will be evaluated on the strength of the research proposal, research impact, student academic achievements, and leadership potential.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - For this opportunity, an official transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• Proposal letter of research intent, which must outline the research activities that the candidate will undertake during the length of the fellowship and be written by the candidate. Proposals should also include the anticipated impact on the field.
• A letter of recommendation from the fellow’s proposed research mentor highlighting the candidate's qualifications and specifying how the fellowship will augment existing research or expand research activities in a new direction.
• An additional letter of recommendation supporting the candidate's qualifications and aptitude to conduct QIS focused research.?

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until two recommendations are submitted. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application. 

Submitted documents must have all social security numbers, student identification numbers, and/or dates of birth removed (blanked out, blackened out, made illegible, etc.) prior to uploading into the application system. All documents must be in English or include an official English translation. If you have questions, send an email to stem-workforce@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

Connect with ORISE...on the GO! Download the new ORISE GO mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to help you stay engaged, connected, and informed during your ORISE experience and beyond!

• Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Only
• Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 12 months or currently pursuing.
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.50
• Discipline(s):
  • Chemistry and Materials Sciences (12 )
  • Computer, Information, and Data Sciences (17 )
  • Engineering (27 )
  • Mathematics and Statistics (11 )
  • Physics (16 )
  • Science & Engineering-related (2 )
• Age: Must be 18 years of age

For postdoctoral fellowships, doctoral degree received within the last 12 months or anticipated to be received by 1/1/25.

For graduate student fellowships, currently pursuing a doctoral degree.