Senior Research Fellow (176Lu+ Optical Clock Laboratory)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dedicated equipment & travel allowance

Competitive salary, commensurate with experience

World-class research hub

Job summary

The National University of Singapore is seeking a Senior Research Fellow to join the Centre for Quantum Technologies. This role involves leading experimental research on ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺ optical clock systems and mentoring junior researchers.

Candidates should have a PhD in Physics and demonstrated research expertise. The position offers a competitive salary, dedicated equipment and travel allowance, and is located at a world-class research hub in Singapore.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record of high-impact independent experimental research evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Hands-on expertise in ion trapping and laser cooling of atomic ions.
• Strong experimental skills in precision rf and digital electronics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and operation of ion trap systems for ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺.
• Drive experimental realization of multi-ion clock configurations.
• Mentor postdoctoral researchers and PhD students.

Skills

Ion trapping expertise

Ultra-stable laser systems

Experimental skills in ultra-high vacuum technology

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics with specialization in AMO physics

Tools

Cavity-stabilised laser

Python for automation

Job description

Senior Research Fellow (¹⁷⁶Lu⁺ Optical Clock Laboratory)

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

The Barrett group at CQT is the world’s leading laboratory developing ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺ as an optical clock species. Lutetium‑176 offers exceptionally low sensitivity to blackbody radiation shifts and a highly favourable systematic uncertainty budget, making it a compelling candidate for next‑generation optical timekeeping. Our programme is actively pushing towards multi‑ion clock architectures—including linear ion crystals and multiplexed trap arrays—to surpass the quantum projection noise limits of single‑ion operation and achieve unprecedented clock stability at short averaging times. A key aim of the programme is to translate this technology into a commercialisable turnkey system for deployment at Singapore’s National Metrology Centre (NMC).

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Scientist to lead experimental research within our ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺ optical clock programme at CQT, Singapore. This is a senior individual‑contributor position at the cutting edge of precision quantum metrology, with direct impact on international timekeeping, tests of fundamental physics, and Singapore’s national measurement infrastructure. The successful candidate will drive original research, take ownership of key experimental subsystems, mentor junior researchers and graduate students, engage with industry and national metrology partners, and contribute to the long‑term scientific and translational roadmap of the laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and operation of ion trap systems for ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺, including the engineering of novel trap geometries suited to multi‑ion clock operation.
• Drive the experimental realisation of multi‑ion clock configurations: ion crystal preparation, laser cooling, and correlated interrogation schemes for stability beyond the standard quantum limit.
• Develop and maintain ultra‑stable laser systems and optical frequency infrastructure, including cavity‑stabilised clock lasers and optical frequency combs.
• Contribute to optical frequency comparison and dissemination capabilities, including fibre‑link and satellite‑based clock comparisons.
• Work closely with local industry and metrology partners to develop a commercialisable turnkey ¹⁷⁶Lu⁺ clock system suitable for implementation at the A*STAR National Metrology Centre (NMC).
• Mentor postdoctoral researchers and PhD students; contribute to grant applications, scientific reporting, and laboratory operations.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics with specialisation in AMO physics, precision metrology, or quantum information science.
• Demonstrated track record of high‑impact independent experimental research evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications.
• Hands‑on expertise in ion trapping: rf Paul traps, trap fabrication or characterisation, micromotion compensation, and laser cooling of atomic ions.
• Proficiency with ultra‑stable laser systems: cavity‑stabilised lasers, laser locking, optical frequency chains, and electro‑optic/acousto‑optic control.
• Strong experimental skills in ultra‑high vacuum technology, optical design, and precision rf and digital electronics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to present complex results to both specialist and general audiences.

Preferred Experience

Cryogenic ion traps

Experience operating ion traps at 4 K or below, including pulse‑tube or dilution refrigerator integration and cryogenic rf delivery.

Multi‑ion architectures

Ion crystal formation and control, mixed‑species crystal operation, or multiplexed trap‑array design and characterisation.

Optical frequency metrology

Optical frequency comb operation, absolute frequency measurement, or fibre‑based optical clock comparison and dissemination.

Experimental automation

Python‑based experiment control, FPGA or ARTIQ sequencing, and real‑time digital feedback for clock servo loops.

Additional Information

What we offer:

• Competitive, commensurate with experience.
• Dedicated equipment & travel allowance.
• World‑class research hub at the NUS campus in Singapore.

To apply, please submit a CV, a research statement describing your relevant expertise and vision for the Lu⁺ clock programme (max 2 pages), and the names of three referees. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — early submission is encouraged.

Inquiries and applications should be directed to Prof. Murray Barrett at [e-mail].