Experimental Quantum Network Science & Timing Metrology

National Institute of Standards and Technology; Gaithersburg, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute of Standards and Technology seeks a research physicist to advance quantum network synchronization and timing experiments using single-photon detection. The role develops novel protocols, systems and tools for field deployment and metro-scale time transfer alongside entanglement activities.

Responsibilities include publishing results, presenting at meetings, and archiving data and software while collaborating with internal teams and external partners. U.S.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Three or more years of experimental experience.
• Ability to work in a team-driven environment.
• Background in quantum information science and quantum networking.
• Experience using single-photon sources/detectors for quantum measurements.
• FPGA programming experience is highly desired.
• Automation of measurement equipment using Python.
• Extensive Matlab/Python skills for data analysis and acquisition.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• US citizenship preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test quantum networking synchronization methods.
• Synchronize network nodes to sub-10 ps levels on metropolitan scales.
• Characterize single-photon detectors and sources for time transfer.
• Present results at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Produce high-quality publications based on research results.
• Archive data, protocols, software, and documentation for the organization.
• Adhere to safe operating procedures and participate in hazard reviews.

Skills

Quantum networking

Single-photon detectors

Python programming

Matlab

FPGA programming

Teamwork

Independent work

Precision measurements

Research experience

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

Matlab

Python

FPGA toolchains

Job description

Experimental Quantum Network Science & Timing Metrology

The Information Technology Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified candidates for the position of research physicist. The position will be a research physicist performing advanced quantum network synchronization and timing experiments based on single-photon detection. The position requires the development of novel quantum network protocols, systems and tools that will be deployed in challenging field experiments for the purpose of quantum network node synchronization at the single-photon level. Field experiments include high-precision synchronization of measurement and control functions in quantum network nodes. We will extend faint-light clock recovery towards two-way time transfer protocols based on single-photon detection. The experiments will first be conducted over a campusscale testbed, towards integration of an effective two-way time transfer protocol co-existing with entanglement distribution and entanglement swapping over metropolitan scales.

Duties

• Work with NIST researchers, academia, and industry to develop and test quantum networking synchronization methods and protocols.
• Synchronization of network nodes to sub-10 ps levels on metropolitan scales using clock recovery, two-way time transfer based on single-photon detection and high-accuracy time precision protocols.
• Characterization of single-photon detectors and sources for the purpose of time transfer.
• Presenting results at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Producing high-quality publications based on research and results.
• Ensuring that all measurement data, results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.
• Adhere to all safe operating procedures and actively participate in hazard reviews.

Required Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Three or more years of relevant experimental experience
• Must be able to work in a team-driven environment.
• Must have an independent work attitude.
• Background and experience in quantum information science and quantum networking.
• Proven experience using single-photon sources and detectors for quantum measurements.
• FPGA programming experience is highly desired for this position.
• Experience with automation of measurement equipment using Python.
• Extensive programming skills in Matlab and/or Python for software integration, data analysis and data acquisition.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, collaborative, multi-disciplinary research
• Must have an aptitude and patience to perform precision measurements
• U.S. citizenship is preferred for this position.

Employment Terms

This opportunity is to be an associate researcher in the NIST Quantum Information Group, with options to renew. Associate researchers are NOT Federal Employees, but they work aside NIST researchers.

An Associate at NIST is not a federal employee but collaborates with NIST on research projects of mutual interest and does not work exclusively on NIST mission-related activities. If you have any questions, please contact the International and Academic Affairs Office at [e-mail] .