RQS Undergraduate Research
University of Maryland, College Park·College Park, MD·2026 cycle
Closed for cycleComputational/Data SciencePhysical Sciences✓ verified
The RQS Undergraduate Research program offers undergraduate students a hands-on summer research experience in quantum science and technology with the Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation (RQS) at the University of Maryland. RQS is one of the five NSF-funded Quantum Leap Challenge Institutes. RQS researchers from the University of Maryland, Duke, North Carolina State University, Princeton, and Yale collaborate to advance the field of quantum simulation by addressing challenges in verification, noise, and scalability. Over ten weeks, students will work on interdisciplinary research projects in experimental and theoretical physics, computer science, and engineering, at the forefront of quantum-simulation research. Beyond research, the program immerses students in the quantum-simulation community and a network of peers. Participants will attend the annual RQS Institute Workshop to connect with researchers from across the Institute and the broader local quantum community, and connect with students in other REU programs. Students also receive training in professional science skills and learn about other research areas through a weekly seminar series. The summer concludes with a student symposium where participants present and share their research. The program offers a $7,000 stipend, and an additional $1,000 towards housing costs. Applicants should address the following questions in their personal statement: Which RQS research area(s) are you most interested in working in, and why? Please visit https://rqs.umd.edu/research for a description of RQS research areas. Please indicate whether you would prefer to work on a mostly experimental, theoretical, or computational project. Please explain your qualifications to work in the research area(s) you described. Contact rqs@umd.edu for any inquiries.
Quantum simulation, quantum computing, quantum information, quantum science, quantum algorithms, quantum materials fabrication and testing, condensed matter physics, quantum many-body physics, quantum devices, quantum sensing, fault tolerance, high-energy physics, nuclear physics, quantum optics, quantum cryptography, quantum complexity, quantum error correction, laser cooling and trapping, quantum thermodynamics, physics, engineering, computer science, computer engineering, atomic physics, optical physics
All applicants must be enrolled at a 2-year or 4-year accredited college or university during the program. Strong candidates will have completed two years of major coursework.