Applied Research Mathematician / Quantum Computing - Mid to Expert Level (Maryland)

Full Job Description

NSA's Mathematics Research Group conducts world-class mathematical research with the objective of developing new and innovative techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC).

We are actively seeking mathematicians to join our Mathematics Research Group.

For more information, please visit: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1252528 The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.

Degree must be in Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related STEM field.

Degree must include at least 24 semester credit hours (or 36 credit hours from universities on a quarter system) in advanced mathematics courses.

Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: the design, development, use, and evaluation of mathematics models, methods, or techniques (for example, algorithm development) to study issues and solve problems.

Experience may also include, network engineering, computer science, physics, software engineering, electrical engineering.

For Senior and Expert levels, leadership experience can count for up to half the experience requirement.

FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree with no experience.

SENIOR Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience.

Leadership experience can count for up to half the experience requirement.

EXPERT Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of experience.

Leadership experience can count for up to half the experience requirement. Major Duties:

NSA conducts world-class research with the objective of developing new and innovative techniques and technologies to support our Signals Intelligence and Cybersecurity missions, as well as the broader Intelligence Community (IC).

We are actively seeking experienced mathematicians or physicists with subject matter expertise in quantum algorithms and/or quantum error correction to support NSA's and the US Government's strategic efforts in quantum computing.

If you are interested in joining a dynamic team with a proven track record of developing impactful research results, then please apply for this position.

Candidates will be expected to engage with the NSA and US government quantum computing efforts, identify important research problems within this space, and conduct research to support NSA and US government goals in quantum computing.

Candidates must have research and/or development experience (beyond basic coursework) in quantum algorithms and/or quantum error correction.

Demonstrations of this record could include publishing in academic journals or delivering operational solutions to technical problems for customers from government or industry.

A PhD is not required, although candidates must have acquired an advanced level of experience and mastery (beyond simply taking a few courses) in some area of quantum computing.

Demonstrated success with effective technical writing and the ability to explain results to a non-technical audience is desirable.

Experience with at least one of the following programming languages and/or software packages is desirable: C/C++, Rust, Python, SageMath, MAGMA.

The ideal candidate will have a grounded background in mathematical tools, techniques, and theory, as well as a drive to apply that knowledge to complex and often ambiguous real-world situations.

The ideal candidate will also have the ability to prototype and implement solutions in computer code/scripting, and a desire to stretch outside their comfort zone in a career that offers lifelong learning opportunities.

While the primary research focus for this position is quantum computing, candidates could also have the option to contribute to other mathematics research efforts of interest to NSA.

These efforts involve a wide range of areas of mathematics, including linear algebra, number theory, probability, statistics, analysis, graph theory, or other areas of theoretical mathematics.

Other areas of interest include cryptomathematics, algorithm development, computer network security, and vulnerability analysis.

Interest in any of these areas is not required, but will be looked upon favorably.