Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Technologies

WHY WORK AT BNL?

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The mission of the Instrumentation Division is to develop state-of-the-art instrumentation required for experimental research programs at Brookhaven Lab and to maintain the expertise and facilities in specialized high technology areas essential for this work. Development of facilities is motivated by present Brookhaven research programs and anticipated future directions of research. Our work has a significant impact on programs throughout the world that rely on state-of-the-art radiation detectors, quantum systems, and readout electronics.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Experimental and practical Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST) is a key area of R&D for BNL. The successful candidate will join a fast-growing QIST group centered in our Instrumentation Department and working in close collaboration with the QIST group at Stony Brook University and the Nanodevices Laboratory at Yale University. The applicant will be an integral part of the research activities of the recently founded Center for Distributed Quantum Processing and the Long Island Quantum Internet Testbed. Our primary area is the development of long-distance quantum networking science and technology, centered on atomic-based quantum memories and quantum repeaters, with the goal of building regional-scale quantum internet services. Active areas of research include quantum transduction technology for interfacing with cryogenic quantum computers; quantum sensors, with applications in astronomy and high energy physics; and improved, device-independent quantum cryptography techniques. The successful candidate will be able to immediately and productively participate in the group’s experimental efforts, while also having a sufficient theoretical understanding to propose and carry out new and independent work. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Design, build, test and operate quantum optics experiments and devices oriented toward matter-light interactions
  • Analyze results and prepare scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
  • Develop new, actionable ideas and approaches in a fast-evolving QIST field
  • Collaborate and communicate successfully with a diverse, multi-institutional group of researchers

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • PhD in Physics or other directly QIST-relevant field
  • Demonstrated understanding of quantum information concepts
  • Demonstrated ability in experimental quantum optics, basic laboratory skills
  • Experience on cryogenics and superconducting devices
  • Understanding coherent interaction and control in atomic systems.
  • Effective interpersonal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work in a collaborative scientific environment and across disciplines

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Experience (post PhD) in QIST-relevant fields
  • Basic knowledge of cavity-assisted quantum systems
  • Familiarity with non-linear light-matter interfaces

Other Information:

  • Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
  • BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a postdoc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events
  • Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $70200 – $85000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
  • This is a two-year appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding
  • This is a fully onsite position located at BNL.