Postdoctoral Associate, Quantum Systems

Job Description

The Quantum Systems Team at the Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in quantum engineering starting fall or summer of 2024. Applications for this position are encouraged from outstanding individuals working in the field of quantum systems and quantum engineering, broadly defined. The position will be for one year with potential subsequent one-year extensions up to three years total commensurate with satisfactory performance and available funding. In addition, the position may be located at either of the two VTNSI campus locations in Blacksburg, VA or Arlington, VA.

The successful candidate will join the Quantum Systems Team within the Spectrum Dominance Division at VTNSI, and will be expected to work closely with members of the group, which includes Vassilios Kovanis and Vsevolod Ivanov. The research interests of the group cover a broad range of topics in quantum technology and engineering, including, but not limited to first principles simulation of topological materials, quantum point defects in semiconductors, quantum topological photonics, quantum sensing, applications in Positioning Navigation and Timing (PNT), geolocation and synchronization of drones, theoretical applied nonlinear dynamics, and tunable photonic oscillators and clocks. Other responsibilities include communicating results in journal publications and conferences as well as mentoring junior members of the group. There will also be opportunities for travel to present in conferences and to participate in other collaborations.

This position serves to further develop the quantum initiative at VTNSI, which is part of greater university efforts in quantum science and engineering. Virginia Tech is a member of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), and the Quantum Frontier is one of the four major research frontiers at Virginia Tech (research.vt.edu/research-frontiers/quantum). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty at the newly established Virginia Tech Center for Quantum Information Science and Engineering (vtq.vt.edu), the recently announced Center of Quantum Architecture and Software Development within the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, as well as participate in the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), of which Virginia Tech is a member. Other opportunities at Virginia Tech include the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) and the Academy of Data Science with its undergraduate major in Computational Modeling and Data Analytics (CMDA). The two VTNSI campuses in Blacksburg, VA and Arlington, VA operate in close proximity to federal agencies, national laboratories, and federally-funded research and development centers, enabling opportunities for interaction.

VTNSI is a university thematic research institute (research.vt.edu/institutes), with the mission of meeting the pressing needs of the defense and intelligence communities by developing their future workforce and advancing interdisciplinary research, technology, and policy. Given the appointment at the VTNSI, successful candidates must be a U.S. person. This position may be located in either Blacksburg, VA or Arlington, VA locations.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics, engineering, or a closely related field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.

• Must be a U.S. person due to the sensitivity of the research portfolio.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse team.

• Track record of presentations at conferences and publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively, write publications, make presentations, and possibly aid with supervising undergraduate and graduate students, as well as AT LEAST ONE of the following:

• Familiarity with modeling or simulation of quantum systems and devices, photonics, optics, and/or nonlinear dynamics;

• Development (coding) experience with languages such as Python, C, C++, Fortran, bash, etc.;

• Experience with AI and machine learning of material properties, managing and analyzing large amounts of data;

• Practical knowledge of density functional theory methods and tools such as Quantum Espresso, VASP, Wien2k, Wannier90, or others; or

• Experience with developing and running quantum algorithms (particularly involving materials or molecular systems) on NISQ computers such as IBM's Quantum Platform.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

75,000 - 90,000 commensurate with experience

Review Date

January 31, 2024

Additional Information

Applications are requested by January 31, 2024 to include a cover letter that details your most significant contributions to research, a curriculum vitae (CV), a list of publications, and a list of three professional references including their email addresses. Due to the nature of the work at the Institute, all applicants must be US persons (US citizen or permanent resident).

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Sue Kass at sjkass@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.