Quantum Optical Senior Researcher - PREP0004876

Morgan State University; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NIST Gaithersburg Campus invites applications for a Quantum Optical Senior Researcher to lead advanced quantum optical experiments and develop novel devices for field deployment.

The role emphasizes design of single photon sources, nanophotonic components, and quantum networking experiments, with responsibilities spanning concept work to publication.

This ten-month PREP position offers hands-on collaboration across disciplines and opportunities to present results at conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant experimental experience.
• Expertise in Quantum Optics, Quantum Mechanics, and Quantum Information Systems (QIS).
• Ability to build complex and extensive quantum optical experiments.
• Ability to develop prototypes and deployable tools used in advanced quantum field experiments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and strong presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize novel and useful quantum optical research ideas and associated experiments.
• Develop devices and systems for use in quantum optical and QIS-related experiments.
• Perform advanced quantum optics and quantum networking field experiments.
• Present results at internal and external meetings and conferences.
• Produce high-quality publications based on research and results.
• Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or transmitted to the larger organization.

Skills

Quantum Optics

Quantum Mechanics

Quantum Information Systems

Prototyping

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, and thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

Quantum Optical Senior Researcher

Project Description:

Development of quantum networking devices and systems and implementation of advanced quantum experiments. The position will be a senior research physicist performing advanced quantum optical experiments. The position requires the development of novel quantum optical devices, systems, and tools that will be deployed in challenging field experiments. These devices, systems, and tools include single photon sources and converter devices developed from nanophotonic integrated optics devices based on novel materials such as silicon carbide; entangled photon pair sources based on a range of quantum technologies; high-performance single photon detector systems based on cryogenically cooled superconducting nanowires and more. Field experiments include distributing entanglement over long distances with high timing precision and high fidelity; implementing various entanglement distribution schemes, including polarization and time binning; and advanced quantum-related metrology based on quantum or single-photon processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize novel and useful quantum optical research ideas and associated experiments
• Develop devices and systems for use in quantum optical and QIS-related experiments
• Perform advanced quantum optics and quantum networking field experiments
• Present results at internal and external meetings and conferences
• Produce high-quality publications based on research and results
• Ensure that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in Physics or a related field
• 3 or more years of relevant experimental experience
• Expertise in Quantum Optics, Quantum Mechanics, and Quantum Information Systems (QIS)
• Ability to build complex and extensive quantum optical experiments
• Ability to develop prototypes and deployable tools used in advanced quantum field experiments
• Strong oral and written communication skills and strong presentation skills

Other Details:

• Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
• Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
• Duration: this is expected to be a ten-month position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.