Applied Physicist (Quantum Systems) - GTRI - CIPHER - Open Rank

Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI); Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) in Atlanta is seeking an applied physicist to contribute to quantum technologies within the QS Division of the CIPHER Lab. The role spans physics, chemistry, materials science, and mathematics to design experiments, run simulations, and develop devices with real-world sponsors.

Open-rank opportunities include publishing, collaborating across disciplines, and pursuing joint proposals for national security and industry sponsors. U.S.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantum science research.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex tests, experiments, calculations, and simulations to determine physical parameters of materials and systems.
• Lead design of experiments for simple to moderately complex studies.
• Generate documentation of experiments and results.

Skills

Quantum science research

Active TS SCI

Scientific communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics/Engineering/Math

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Overview

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry.GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.

Georgia Tech's Mission and Values

Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. We are responsible stewards.

Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.

Project/Unit Description

The Quantum Systems (QS) Division of the Georgia Tech Research Institute's Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research (CIPHER) Lab is seeking self-motivated individuals with experience in quantum science or photonics research. The division is composed of a large team of scientists and engineers from disciplines including physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, optical science, mechanical engineering, mathematics, and chemical engineering. QS employees perform fundamental research exploring next-generation technologies based on exotic physical phenomena, working to prove that devices based on these technologies can provide real-world solutions relevant to sponsors.
Our research portfolio includes programs in trapped-ion quantum computing, simulation, and sensing, vapor cell optically pumped magnetometers and Rydberg electrometers, atomic clocks, and the development of mass spectrometers. Support is available to develop projects outside of existing areas of research, such as photonic quantum computing, solid-state defects like NV-centers, quantum networking, and inertial sensors. QS researchers frequently contribute to projects in other GTRI labs and CIPHER divisions involving research in other topics including artificial intelligence and machine learning, communications, biophysics, security, and optics.
The candidate will be expected to work independently and effectively in a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment. Affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology and located on its main campus in Atlanta Georgia, GTRI offers a unique opportunity to conduct applied research in a university setting. Employees in this position are encouraged to publish academic literature and pursue collaborations with academic, government, and industry partners.

Job Purpose

An applied physicist leverages knowledge and skills from the fields of physics, chemistry, material science, and mathematics to contribute to the research, analysis, design, and development of innovative systems, sensors, materials, and devices. They design and conduct experiments and/or simulations to ascertain physical properties and behaviors. Experiments conducted may involve the measurement, characterization, and testing of equipment and environmental phenomenology using specialized tools. Fundamental physical principles are used to inform the design of systems and sensors, to evaluate their theoretical performance, and to develop algorithms. Areas of application may include: optical systems, energy systems and storage, quantum systems, EO/IR & RF M&S and analysis, and photonics, and new materials. An applied physicist might also contribute to the development and application of new materials related to energy production, harvesting, and storage or to areas as diverse as healthcare, entertainment, or national security.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform more complex tests, experiments, calculations, and/or simulations to determine physical parameters/properties and behaviors of materials and systems and conduct more complex data analysis on the results of measurements and/or simulations
• Lead design of experiments for simple experiments
• Generate documentation of experiments and results
• Contribute to white papers and proposals
• Contribute to technical reports/presentations of project results

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead proposal writing and other business development activities to win funding for new research thrusts
• Manage the technical and financial execution of research programs
• Contribute to existing projects in applied quantum technologies
• Author technical reports and publications
• Present research to sponsors and peers
• Keep up-to-date in relevant published literature on applied quantum technologies

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered.
• Demonstrated expertise, e.g. through peer-reviewed publications, in quantum science research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS SCI
• An ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Active security clearance
  * Technical experience with any of the following:
  a. AMO physics techniques including ion trapping, laser cooling, atomic spectroscopy
  b. vapor cell sensors and clocks
  c. solid state color centers (e.g. NV-centers in diamond)
  d. single photon sources (e.g. quantum dot or four-wave-mixing) and detectors (e.g. SNSPDs)
  e. theoretical quantum optics and/or design for quantum optics experiments
  f. creation and analysis of entangled photon states (e.g. Bell pairs, GHZ states)
  g. integrated photonics design
  h. photonic quantum computing
  i. design and demonstration of practical or fielded quantum devices
  j. scientific programming
  k. micro/nano-fabrication tools and techniques

Travel Requirements

<10% travel >

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 0 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Computer Science, Engineering, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, Chemical Engineering.

U.S. Citizenship Requirements

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Clearance Type Required

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Benefits