Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004162)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaboration with experts in the field

Access to cutting-edge technology

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University is looking for a Research Associate to work on quantum network development at NIST in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This role focuses on collaborating with top researchers to enhance measurement science for quantum networks, utilizing advanced photon detection technologies.

Qualified candidates should have a PhD in Physics and strong skills in quantum information science. The position emphasizes technical expertise and precision in measurements, while providing opportunities to contribute significantly to scientific research and publications.

Qualifications

• Must have a PhD in Physics with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven background in quantum information science and networks.
• Experience using single-photon sources and detectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test quantum network components with researchers.
• Validate entanglement links using entangled states of light.
• Calibrate single-photon detectors and sources.

Skills

Quantum information science

Single-photon sources

Data analysis in MATLAB

Data analysis in Python

Oral communication

Written communication

Education

PhD in Physics

Job description

Overview

PREP Research Associate

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration’s scientific research.

Research Title: Experimental Quantum Network Metrology, Physicist

The work will entail working on the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland, within the Quantum Information Groups (QIG) Quantum Communication and Networking Project. The candidate will work with experts at NIST, academia, and industry, have the opportunity to use cutting‑edge equipment such as photon‑number resolving detectors and high‑quality single‑photon sources, and contribute to the development of new measurement science and devices for quantum networks, including sources, detectors, memories, transducers, metrology, and protocols. U.S. citizenship is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with NIST researchers, academia, and industry to develop and test quantum network components.
• Develop methods and protocols for verification and validation of entanglement links using entangled states of light within the metropolitan quantum network testbed.
• Synchronize network nodes to sub‑10 ps levels on metropolitan scales.
• In‑situ characterization of fiber‑links, e.g., polarization, optical path length, loss, noise, etc.
• Calibration and characterization of single‑photon detectors and sources.
• Implementation of quantum network component software agents into the QN control manager.
• Prepare high‑quality scientific publications on performed work.
• Present results to supervisors, management, stakeholders, and conferences.

Qualifications

• US citizenship is preferred.
• Must have a PhD in Physics with 2 or more years of relevant experience.
• Proven background and experience in quantum information science and quantum networks.
• Proven experience using single‑photon sources and detectors for quantum measurements.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, collaborative, multi‑disciplinary research.
• Must have an aptitude and patience to perform precision measurements.
• Extensive skills in MATLAB and Python for data analysis, data taking and system automation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the program involved.

EEO is the Law

https://www.eeoc.gov/employees-job-applicants