Senior Research Scientist — Quantum Memory

Quantum Software; Hoboken, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Computing Inc. in Hoboken, NJ, seeks a Senior Research Scientist to lead the development of chip-integrated quantum memory based on Er:TFLN. You will own the memory characterization—from cryogenic tests to integration with photonic chips and quantum-networking hardware.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a related field and 3+ years of hands-on experimental work in quantum optics or solid-state photonics. Strong Python/MATLAB skills and experience with cryogenics are essential.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experimental research in quantum optics, AMO physics, or solid-state quantum photonics beyond the Ph.D.
• Direct experience with rare-earth-doped solid-state systems (e.g., erbium, neodymium, praseodymium, ytterbium) for optical or quantum storage.
• Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems and low-temperature optical measurements.
• Experience designing for, or characterizing devices on, photonic integrated circuit platforms - thin-film lithium niobate strongly preferred.
• Strong grounding in nonlinear and quantum optics, single-photon detection, and low-noise optical measurement techniques.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for instrument control, data acquisition, and simulation.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications in quantum optics, quantum information, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize the light-matter interface between Er3+ ion ensembles and TFLN photonic structures for high-efficiency, low-noise photon storage and retrieval.
• Implement and benchmark on-chip quantum memory protocols (e.g., atomic frequency comb, spin-wave storage, EIT) and characterize storage efficiency, fidelity, and coherence times.
• Assemble and run cryogenic experiments (closed-cycle cryocoolers / dilution refrigerators) to measure spectral, hyperfine, and coherence properties of Er ions in TFLN, including the effect of applied magnetic and electric bias fields.
• Collaborate with QCi's photonic IC design and fabrication teams to co-design memory-compatible waveguides, ring resonators, and electro-optic tuning elements, and to align on process and packaging constraints.
• Model and simulate device performance - absorption, storage efficiency, added noise - using tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL, or custom Python/MATLAB code, and reconcile simulation with measurement.
• Integrate the quantum memory module with QCi's broader QKD and quantum-networking hardware (sources, modulators, single-photon detectors, timing electronics), supporting system-level test and validation from prototype to field-deployable hardware.
• Document methodologies and results, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and patent filings, and mentor junior scientists and engineers on the project.
• Represent QCi's quantum memory work with partners, funding agencies, and at technical conferences.

Skills

Erbium-doped solids

Cryogenic measurements

Python

MATLAB

Quantum memory

On-chip photonics

Low-noise optical measurements

Waveguides and PICs

Experiment design

Cryogenic systems

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Lumerical

COMSOL

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Job Title: Senior Research Scientist - Quantum Memory

Location: Hoboken, NJ

Division: Technology

Department: Engineering

About Us

QCi is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. Our devices operate at room temperature and low power, and are deployed today across high-performance computing, AI, cybersecurity, and remote sensing applications. We are extending that same integrated-photonics approach to quantum networking and quantum-secure communications, building chip-scale building blocks - sources, modulators, detectors, and now quantum memories - on a shared thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform.

Scope of the Job

QCi is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead the development of a chip-integrated quantum memory based on erbium-doped thin-film lithium niobate (Er:TFLN). Erbium's optical transition falls directly in the telecom C-band, making it uniquely suited to interface with fiber networks and with QCi's existing TFLN photonic integrated circuits (PICs) including the lasers, electro-optic modulators, and single-photon detectors already in development on this platform.

You will build the simulation module and own the experiment setup on memory characterization through cryogenic characterization of storage and retrieval, to integration with QCi's photonic chips and quantum-networking systems. This is a hands-on research role for someone who wants to take a solid-state quantum memory from first coherence measurements to a deployable subsystem.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize the light-matter interface between Er3+ ion ensembles and TFLN photonic structures for high-efficiency, low-noise photon storage and retrieval.
• Implement and benchmark on-chip quantum memory protocols (e.g., atomic frequency comb, spin-wave storage, EIT) and characterize storage efficiency, fidelity, and coherence times.
• Assemble and run cryogenic experiments (closed-cycle cryocoolers / dilution refrigerators) to measure spectral, hyperfine, and coherence properties of Er ions in TFLN, including the effect of applied magnetic and electric bias fields.
• Collaborate with QCi's photonic IC design and fabrication teams to co-design memory-compatible waveguides, ring resonators, and electro-optic tuning elements, and to align on process and packaging constraints.
• Model and simulate device performance - absorption, storage efficiency, added noise - using tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL, or custom Python/MATLAB code, and reconcile simulation with measurement.
• Integrate the quantum memory module with QCi's broader QKD and quantum-networking hardware (sources, modulators, single-photon detectors, timing electronics), supporting system-level test and validation from prototype to field-deployable hardware.
• Document methodologies and results, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and patent filings, and mentor junior scientists and engineers on the project.
• Represent QCi's quantum memory work with partners, funding agencies, and at technical conferences.
• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experimental research in quantum optics, AMO physics, or solid-state quantum photonics beyond the Ph.D.
• Direct experience with rare-earth-doped solid-state systems (e.g., erbium, neodymium, praseodymium, ytterbium) for optical or quantum storage, or an equally strong quantum-optics background with a clear path into this area.
• Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems and low-temperature optical measurements.
• Experience designing for, or characterizing devices on, photonic integrated circuit platforms - thin-film lithium niobate strongly preferred.
• Strong grounding in nonlinear and quantum optics, single-photon detection, and low-noise optical measurement techniques.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for instrument control, data acquisition, and simulation.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications in quantum optics, quantum information, or related fields.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• 3+ years of hands-on experimental research in quantum optics, AMO physics, or solid-state quantum photonics beyond the Ph.D.
• Direct experience with rare-earth-doped solid-state systems (e.g., erbium, neodymium, praseodymium, ytterbium) for optical or quantum storage, or an equally strong quantum-optics background with a clear path into this area.
• Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems and low-temperature optical measurements.
• Experience designing for, or characterizing devices on, photonic integrated circuit platforms - thin-film lithium niobate strongly preferred.
• Strong grounding in nonlinear and quantum optics, single-photon detection, and low-noise optical measurement techniques.
• Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for instrument control, data acquisition, and simulation.
• A track record of peer-reviewed publications in quantum optics, quantum information, or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with erbium-doped waveguides, fibers, or bulk crystals for quantum memory, including AFC or spin-wave storage protocols.
• Experience with electro-optic modulators and Pockels-effect tuning in lithium niobate or thin-film lithium niobate.
• Familiarity with quantum repeater architectures, entanglement distribution, or quantum key distribution (QKD) system design.
• Proficiency with multiphysics simulation tools: MATLAB or COMSOL Multiphysics.
• Experience with superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) or other single-photon-counting hardware.
• Custom electronics or opto-mechanical design experience for lab-scale and deployable instrumentation..

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary and equity in a Nasdaq-listed company (QUBT).
• Full health, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• A collaborative, hands-on research environment building novel quantum hardware from physics to deployed system.

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

QUANTUM ROLE CONTEXT | Appended by Quantum.Jobs v2

Role context

This role exists to bridge theoretical quantum optics and physical hardware implementation within technical development teams. Positioned between fundamental research and systems engineering, the function drives the transition of solid-state optical storage concepts into integrated photonic architectures. Professionals in this position design numerical models and conduct low-temperature physical experiments to evaluate photon-matter interactions. By validating physical parameters, they help engineering teams transition lab-scale quantum components into functional subsystems for broader network architectures.

Quantum ecosystem relevance

The position supports enabling infrastructure for scalable quantum communications and distributed quantum processing networks. Quantum memory modules serve as critical building blocks for optical buffering, quantum repeaters, and secure key distribution systems. By refining integrated photonic memory components, this function contributes to long-distance optical network scaling without relying on classical signal repeaters. This work helps establish foundational hardware standards necessary for commercial quantum networking and secure communication frameworks.

Capability signals

• Advanced background in quantum optics and rare-earth-doped solid-state photon storage protocols
• Technical experience operating cryogenic measurement systems for low-temperature physical characterization
• Proficiency in multiphysics modeling and simulation tools for integrated optical devices
• Demonstrated track record in experimental design and peer-reviewed scientific publishing
• Direct experience integrating photonic components into system-level hardware architectures