Dr. Marvin G. Warner
PNNL
Principal Scientist for Quantum Information and Materials Scientist
Marvin G. Warner is a senior materials scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where he leads the Laboratory’s Quantum Laboratory Objective, a strategic initiative focused on developing quantum computing as a practical capability for scientific discovery and national security. His work spans quantum materials, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing, and scientific computing, with an emphasis on building the scientific, technical, and organizational capabilities required to transition quantum information science from fundamental research to operational impact.
An experimentalist by training, Dr. Warner integrates chemistry, materials science, computation, and systems engineering to connect fundamental materials discovery with deployable technologies. His research has included multifunctional materials, advanced nanomaterials, isotope-enabled materials synthesis, quantum materials, and precision chemical purification for next-generation quantum devices. More recently, his efforts have expanded to the co-design of quantum hardware, algorithms, software, benchmarking, verification and validation, and scientific applications that define practical quantum computing workflows.
Dr. Warner serves as PNNL’s project manager and a principal investigator for the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA), a DOE Office of Science National Quantum Information Science Research Center led by Brookhaven National Laboratory. In this role, he has helped establish PNNL’s superconducting-qubit, cryogenic characterization, and quantum materials capabilities while developing collaborations across the DOE national laboratory system, leading universities, and industry. His current work emphasizes scientific quantum computing infrastructure, hybrid quantum-classical workflows, independent verification and validation, and user-focused capabilities for applications in chemistry, materials science, biology, energy, and national security.
Beyond his research, Dr. Warner has held technical leadership roles spanning scientific strategy, research management, program development, and institutional capability building. He works closely with federal sponsors, national laboratories, universities, and industry to develop collaborative programs that accelerate the practical application of quantum technologies.
Dr. Warner also serves as Executive Secretary for the Adaptive Tunability for Synthesis and Control via Autonomous Learning on Edge (ATSCALE) advisory committee and is a member of the Washington State University Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science External Advisory Board. He previously conducted research and teaching at the University of Oregon and the University of Kentucky.
Education
PhD in Chemistry, materials science focus, University of Oregon Â
MS in Chemistry, University of Oregon Â
BS in Chemistry, University of Kentucky