Postdoctoral Research Associate - Photonic Quantum Sensing and Computing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate focused on experimental photonic quantum sensing and computing. This role resides in the Quantum Sensing and Computing Group within CSED, CCSD, ORNL.

Responsibilities include developing quantum sensing solutions, publishing peer-reviewed work, and presenting findings at major conferences. The appointment length is up to 24 months, with extension potential, contingent on funding and performance.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• Preference for candidates with general experimental research experience in quantum optics, optomechanics, optical cavities, or photonic sensing/computing.

Responsibilities

• Participate in experimental research in photonic quantum sensing and computing, including optomechanical sensors and transducers.
• Generate and characterize photonic quantum resource states for sensing and computing.
• Interpret, report, and present research concepts to national audiences.

Skills

Quantum optics experience

Experimental research

Machine learning for control

Data acquisition

Education

PhD in physics or related field

Job description

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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Photonic Quantum Sensing and Computing

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on experimental research in photonic quantum sensing and computing. This position resides in the Quantum Sensing and Computing Group in the Computational Science and Engineering Division (CSED), Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Participate in new and ongoing research in experimental photonic quantum sensing and computing, including optomechanical sensors and transducers, generation and characterization of photonic quantum resource states, and use of photonic quantum states for quantum computing.
• Formulate novel quantum sensing and computing solutions to problems of national interest and support the research and development necessary for the practical implementation of those solutions.
• Interpret, report, and present research concepts and results to national audiences at all levels.
• Write peer-reviewed scientific articles and present research findings at major scientific conferences.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• We are interested in candidates with general experimental research experience in quantum optics, optomechanics, optical cavities, and/or photonic quantum sensing and computing.
• Experience with control electronics, data acquisition systems, machine learning and AI for control and optimization of experimental apparatus.
• Experience with vacuum and cryo systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email [e-mail].

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.