Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004162)

Johns Hopkins University; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University in Gaithersburg, Maryland is seeking a researcher to work on Experimental Quantum Network Metrology within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The candidate will develop and test quantum components and methods, requiring a PhD in Physics and experience in quantum information science. Ideal candidates should have strong communication skills and proficiency in Matlab and Python for data analysis. This role offers an opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with renowned experts in the field.

Qualifications

• Must have a PhD in Physics with 2 or more years of relevant experience.
• Proven background and experience in quantum information science and QNs.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with NIST researchers, academia, and industry to develop and test QN components.
• Develop methods for verification and validation of entanglement links.
• Calibrate and characterize single-photon detectors and sources.

Skills

Quantum information science

Single-photon sources and detectors

Matlab

Python

Independent research

Collaborative research

Precision measurements

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Physics

Job description

Overview

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). 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. The research title is Experimental Quantum Network Metrology. The candidate will work on the NIST campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland within the Quantum Information Groups Quantum Communication and Networking Project and work with experts at NIST in the field of quantum information, our collaborators in academia and industry. The candidate will have access to cutting‑edge equipment such as photon‑number resolving detectors and extremely high‑quality single‑photon sources, and will be part of an ongoing effort to develop new measurement science and devices for quantum networks, including sources, detectors, memories, transducers, metrology, and protocols. U.S. citizenship is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with NIST researchers, academia, and industry to develop and test QN 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.
• Conduct in‑situ characterization of fiber‑links, e.g., polarization, optical path length, loss, noise, etc.
• Calibrate and characterize single‑photon detectors and sources.
• Implement QN component software agents into QN control manager.
• Prepare high‑quality scientific publications on performed work.
• Present results to supervisors, management, stakeholders, and conferences.

Qualifications

• U.S. 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 QNs.
• 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.

EEO Statement

Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. 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 characteristic. 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 that are irrelevant to the program involved.