Postdoctoral Associate

Rochester Institute of Technology; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Physics Education Research group at RIT is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral researcher in quantum education who can support the goals of an NSF funded Quantum Leap Challenge Institute (QLCI): The Physics and Engineering of Practical Quantum Error Correction (PRACTIQAL). The postdoctoral associate will assist Prof.

Ben Zwickl with coordinating programmatic activities, developing curricula, and conducting education research related to quantum information science and engineering (QISE).

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field.
• Strong background in quantum mechanics and/or quantum information science and technology.
• Experience with education research and curriculum development preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently conducts research including design and planning of research studies, data management, model development, experiments or assessments, analysis and interpretation of results.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
• Disseminates and publishes research results in peer-reviewed journals, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Assists in the writing of grant proposals.
• May assist in teaching classes.
• May mentor and assist undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• May assist in managing research laboratories.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Quantum mechanics

Quantum information

Education research

Curriculum development

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree

Job description

Position Hightlights

The Physics Education Research group at RIT is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral researcher in quantum education who can support the goals of an NSF funded Quantum Leap Challenge Institute (QLCI): The Physics and Engineering of Practical Quantum Error Correction (PRACTIQAL). The postdoctoral associate with assist Prof. Ben Zwickl with coordinating programmatic activities, developing curricula, and conducting education research related to quantum information science and engineering (QISE). Primary goals of the project include increasing the accessibility of educational resources related to quantum error correction, emphasizing positive societal impacts of quantum technology within QISE education, and supporting education and training goals of the QLCI center. A strong background in quantum mechanics and/or quantum information science and technology is required. The position will require coordinating with members across the center so strong communication and organization skills are required. Prior experience in education research is strongly preferred. Experience with curriculum development is also preferred.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently conducts research including, but not limited to, constructing hypotheses, design and planning of research studies, data management, model development, conducting experiments or assessments, analysis and interpretation of results, and evaluation of research techniques
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
• Disseminates and publishes research results in peer-reviewed journals, reports, meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Assists in the writing of grant proposals
• May assist in teaching classes
• May mentor and assist undergraduate and/or graduate students
• May assist in managing research laboratories
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research
• Knowledge of applicable research methods and analytical procedures
• Knowledge of research compliance and ethics
• Knowledge of publishing/reporting requirements
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Demonstrated potential for original or collaborative scholarship
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace
• Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders

Minimum Education & Experience

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field

N/A FLSA Category Exempt Work Location Hybrid Compensation $35,000-$70,000 annually

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long-standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall 2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded 21,000. Nationally recognized for its co-op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than 4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its 1,300-acre suburban campus features cutting‑edge facilities that reflect RIT’s strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.