Undergrad Research Assistant

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

We are only considering candidates who participated in the 2025 Quantum Computing Internship for Physics Undergraduates (QCIPU) program.

About the Role:
The Theory Division at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (known as Fermilab) seeks a highly qualified candidate for an Undergraduate Research Assistant focusing on the simulation of lattice field theories on quantum computers.

What your day-to-day as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Fermilab will look like:

• Works alongside staff specializing in scientific, technology, engineering, math, or computing and accelerator science to provide technical assistance on project-based tasks and/or research.
• Investigates, defines, and proposes solutions to assigned technical and scientific problems.
• Perform simulations of quantum simulations of lattice field theories.
• Develop methods for error correction and mitigation to extend the physics reach of current and near-term devices.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled in an accredited university or college as an undergraduate student and hold some research or technical experience.
• Ideal candidate currently studying in one of the following fields of study: physics, mathematics, chemistry, or computer science.
• Should be eligible to work in United States.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Experience with Python and QISKIT.
• Familiarity with methods of error correction and mitigation for quantum computation.
• Familiarity with lattice field theory.
• Ability to perform research both in both an individual and small team setting.

Work Arrangement:
Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office. Remote work might be permitted up to two days per week.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

What To Expect Next:
We’ll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.