Research Fellow (Multi-ion 176Lu+ Optical Clocks)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 67,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive postdoctoral salary

Renewable contract (2+1 years)

World-leading AMO group

Job summary

The National University of Singapore's Centre for Quantum Technologies is inviting applications for a Research Fellow focused on multi-ion Lu+ optical clocks. The role sits in the Quantum Metrology Group at Kent Ridge Campus, developing protocols for ion loading, cooling, and clock interrogation.

We seek a PhD in AMO physics with hands-on experience in ion trapping, spectroscopy, and quantum control, plus strong Python skills for data analysis and experiment control.

Qualifications

• PhD in AMO physics, quantum optics, or a closely related field, completed or near completion.
• Hands-on experience with ion trapping, laser cooling, or precision spectroscopy in an experimental AMO setting.
• Familiarity with coherent control techniques: Ramsey spectroscopy, motional sideband manipulation, or quantum gate operations on trapped ions.
• Strong experimental instincts — ability to diagnose and solve complex technical problems independently.
• Experience with Python-based experiment control or real-time digital feedback systems is advantageous.
• A track record of research output commensurate with career stage.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and characterize multi-ion Lu+ crystals in a linear Paul trap, developing robust protocols for ion loading and cooling.
• Implement and refine correlated clock interrogation schemes — Ramsey spectroscopy and spin-echo sequences — on ion ensembles to suppress noise below the standard quantum limit.
• Develop quantum state preparation and readout techniques optimised for multi-ion clock operation, including high-fidelity fluorescence detection of large crystals.
• Characterise and suppress collective systematic shifts in multi-ion configurations, contributing to a rigorous uncertainty budget for the Lu+ clock transition.
• Explore entanglement-assisted sensing protocols and their practical implementation in a metrological context.
• Contribute to publications, conference presentations, and the broader activities of the CQT Lu+ clock programme.

Skills

Ion trapping

Laser cooling

Precision spectroscopy

Ramsey spectroscopy

Quantum gate operations

Python

Education

PhD in AMO physics or closely related field

Tools

Linear Paul trap

Fluorescence detection

Job description

Research Fellow (Multi-ion ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺ Optical Clocks) By continuing to use and navigate this website, you are agreeing to the use of cookies.

Research Fellow (Multi-ion ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺ Optical Clocks)

Job Title: Research Fellow (Multi-ion ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺ Optical Clocks) University-Level Unit: Centre for Quantum Technologies Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Quantum Metrology Group Employee Category: Research Staff Location_ONB: Kent Ridge Campus Posting Start Date: 22/06/2026

About the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT)

The Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) in Singapore brings together physicists, computer scientists and engineers to do basic research on quantum physics and to build devices based on quantum phenomena. Experts in this new discipline of quantum technologies are applying their discoveries in computing, communications, and sensing.
CQT is hosted by the National University of Singapore. The Centre also has staff at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. With some 200 staff and students, it offers a friendly and international work environment

Learn more about CQT at https://www.cqt.sg/

Job Description

Single-ion optical clocks are among the most precise instruments ever built — yet they are fundamentally limited by quantum projection noise. The next frontier is multi-ion operation: entangled and correlated ion crystals that deliver the stability of many atoms with the systematic control of a single trapped ion. Our group at CQT is pioneering this approach with ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺, a species with uniquely low sensitivity to environmental perturbations. This postdoc offers the rare opportunity to work at the intersection of precision metrology, many-body quantum physics, and real-world timekeeping infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and characterise multi-ion ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺ crystals in a linear Paul trap, developing robust protocols for ion loading and cooling.
• Implement and refine correlated clock interrogation schemes — Ramsey spectroscopy and spin-echosequences — on ion ensembles to suppress noise below the standard quantum limit.
• Develop quantum state preparation and readout techniques optimised for multi-ion clock operation,including high-fidelity fluorescence detection of large crystals.
• Characterise and suppress collective systematic shifts in multi-ion configurations, contributing to a rigorous uncertainty budget for the ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺clock transition.
• Explore entanglement-assisted sensing protocols and their practical implementation in a metrologicalcontext.
• Contribute to publications, conference presentations, and the broader activities of the CQT Lu+ clockprogramme.

Qualifications

• PhD in AMO physics, quantum optics, or a closely related field, completed or near completion.
• Hands-on experience with ion trapping, laser cooling, or precision spectroscopy in an experimental AMOsetting.
• Familiarity with coherent control techniques: Ramsey spectroscopy, motional sideband manipulation, or quantum gate operations on trapped ions.
• Strong experimental instincts — ability to diagnose and solve complex technical problems independently.
• Experience with Python-based experiment control or real-time digital feedback systems is advantageous.
• A track record of research output commensurate with career stage.

Additional Information

What we offer:

• Competitive NUS postdoctoral salary.
• 2+1 years, renewable based on performance
• World-leading AMO group at the NUScampus.