Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Photonics, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Competitive benefits

Generous vacation

Learning opportunities

401k

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in photonics applied to quantum systems, with emphasis on trapped ion quantum computing. The appointed researcher will join a multidisciplinary team advancing photonic components, integrated devices, and experimental platforms for scalable quantum computing.

Candidates will design and test photonic circuits, collaborate with theorists, analyze data, and present findings at conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field conferred within 5 years of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and characterize photonic devices and integrated photonic circuits for quantum computing.
• Develop and implement experimental protocols for photonic quantum information processing and trapped ion quantum computing.
• Collaborate with theorists and experimentalists to optimize quantum system performance and scalability.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to publications in high-impact journals.
• Present research progress at internal meetings and external conferences.

Skills

Experimental experience

Laser optics

Programming for experimental control

Data analysis

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Tools

Lasers

Vacuum systems

Cryogenics

Job description

Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Photonics, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

Extraordinary co-workers

Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

• Generous vacation
• strong medical and other benefits
• competitive 401k
• learning opportunities
• relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

*These benefits vary by job classification.

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in the field of photonics applied to quantum systems, with an emphasis on trapped ion quantum computing. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working at the forefront of quantum information science and technology, contributing to the development of novel photonic components, integrated quantum devices, and experimental platforms for scalable quantum computing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, fabricate, and characterize photonic devices and integrated photonic circuits tailored for quantum computing applications.
• Develop and implement experimental protocols for photonic quantum information processing and trapped ion quantum computing.
• Collaborate with theorists and experimentalists to optimize quantum system performance and scalability.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to the publication of research findings in high-impact journals.
• Present research progress at internal meetings and external conferences.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Qualifications We Require:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field with a focus on photonics, quantum optics, or quantum information science conferred within 5 years of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance.

Qualifications We Desire:

• Experimental experience with quantum information science, i.e. ion trapping, neutral atom trapping, superconductors, semiconductors, impurities, etc.
• Experimental experience with lasers, vacuum chamber construction, or cryogenics
• Skills programming for experimental control software and data analysis
• An established authorship and innovation record, such as peer-reviewed scholarly articles, patents, or technical books
• A track record of successful execution of research-and-development projects, including project planning, defining milestones, and delivering results on time
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Teamwork skills for working in a multi-disciplinary team environment
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong background in photonics, including experience with integrated photonic devices, quantum light sources, or optical quantum systems.
• Experience with trapped ion quantum computing or related quantum platforms is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in experimental techniques such as laser optics, optical characterization, and quantum measurement.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

About Our Team:

The Photonic Microsystems Technologies Department exploits science and technology at the nano and micro scales to enable advances in systems for national security. Our engagement is with a broad spectrum of technologies and a diverse field of customers with a successful record of maturing technology from concept to laboratory demo to prototype.

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance:

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

• Affordable housing, reasonable cost of living
• Minimal traffic congestion compared to larger cities
• At Sandia, recruiters manually review resumes on each job posting instead of using a resume screening software program
• By following the best practices outlined, this ensures that recruiters can accurately determine your qualifications for the position