Experimental Postdoctoral Physicist for Quantum Computing and Networking

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s QUANT-NET project has an open position for a Postdoc position to help build small-scale ion-trap quantum processors and connect them to each other for quantum networking experiments between Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and University of California, Berkeley. This effort will require incorporating high-finesse optical-cavity systems into a novel trap technology to establish remote entanglement between the quantum processors. In this exciting role, you will be part of a multi-organization team, and will be researching and developing the latest ion-trap technologies closely with professors, scientists, engineers, and graduate students of the QUANT-NET research team.

QUANT-NET is a five-year DOE funded project that brings together world-leading expertise in quantum technologies from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, UC Berkeley, Caltech and the University of Innsbruck in order to build a three-node quantum network test-bed in the Berkeley campus, which is connected with an entanglement swapping substrate over optical fiber and managed by a quantum network protocol stack. On top of this entanglement swapping substrate the research team will implement the most basic building blocks of distributed quantum computing and quantum repeater by teleporting a controlled-NOT gate between two far trapped-ion quantum computation nodes. The project also explores heterogeneity and a path towards scalability by researching and developing silicon color center-based quantum technologies that can be used in future quantum repeater platforms.

What You Will Do:

• Building, testing, and commissioning cavity integrated trapped-ion quantum processors.
• Implementing frequency stabilization and synchronization of laser systems at remote locations.
• Performing quantum networking experiments, including the demonstrations of high fidelity and high-rate ion-photon and ion-ion entanglement across the QUANT-NET test bed.
• Assisting the ongoing efforts on establishing a fully operational ion-trap laboratory at LBNL.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Guiding and mentoring 2-3 graduate students at the LBNL and UCB labs.
• Disseminating the research results in high-impact journals and national/international conferences.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in Physics or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• Experience in optics, UHV systems, laser stabilization, and system assembly.
• Background in cavity QED, in particular, coupling atoms with cavity fields.
• Experience in trapping and manipulation of cold (neutral) atoms or ions for quantum information processing and/or quantum communication preferred.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to work in a highly dynamic and diverse team environment with scientists, engineers and students from diverse backgrounds. Members of the team for this project will span across LBNL, UC Berkeley, Caltech and University of Innsbruck.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to present and disseminate scientific developments at group meetings and conferences.

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Notes:

• This is a full-time, 3 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 2 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $4,636-$8,171 and is expected to start at $6526 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work may be performed on-site. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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