Postdoctoral Research Associate

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 Division and working in close collaboration with the QIST group at Stony Brook University and the Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMO) group at Columbia 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 quantum devices such as atom-based quantum memories and quantum repeaters and atomic quantum processors, with the goal of building regional-scale quantum internet services. A specific goal will be scientific and technological advances to enhance atom-photon coupling in atomic quantum devices to support efficient remote entanglement protocols. Other active areas of research include quantum transduction technology for interfacing with atomic and superconducting 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.

This is a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position. Appointment level will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, build, test and operate quantum optics experiments and devices oriented toward long-distance quantum networking

• 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, including research teams at Stony Brook University and Columbia University.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in Physics or other directly QIST-relevant field

• Experience in experimental atomic, molecular, and optical physics systems

• Demonstrated ability in experimental quantum optics & basic laboratory skills

• Proficiency in Python, Matlab, or C for instrumentation in AMO physical systems

• Knowledge of RF electronics and PID systems

• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills

• Ability to work in a collaborative scientific environment and across disciplines

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Years of experience (post PhD) in QIST-relevant fields

• Experience with optical cavities and related technologies

• Familiarity with entangled photon sources and/or photonic quantum entanglement

• Basic knowledge of cavity-assisted quantum systems

• Experience working with hot atomic vapors and/or laser-cooled atomic systems

• Understanding coherent interaction and control in atomic systems

• Familiarity with non-linear light-matter interfaces

• Practical experience with long-distance optical fiber and/or free-space communication

• Practical experience with Superconductive Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs)

• May require travel

Other Information

• BNL policy requires that research associate appointments be made to individuals who have received their doctorate within the past five years.

• Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $70200 - $116200 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.