Experimental Postdoctoral Physicist for Quantum Computing and Networking

The QUANT-NET project at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab is seeking a talented Postdoc fellow to contribute to the development of small-scale ion-trap quantum processors and their integration into a quantum network.  This exciting opportunity involves designing and implementing high-finesse optical-cavity systems for remote entanglement between quantum processors, a crucial step towards establishing a quantum network.  As a member of our multi-organizational team, you will collaborate closely with professors, scientists, engineers, and graduate students from leading institutions to advance the state-of-the-art in ion-trap technologies.

The QUANT-NET project is a five-year effort funded by the Department of Energy, bringing together world-renowned experts in quantum technologies from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, UC Berkeley, Caltech, and the University of Innsbruck.  Our mission is to create a three-node quantum network test-bed on the Berkeley campus, connected by an entanglement swapping substrate over optical fiber and managed by a quantum network protocol stack.  We aim to demonstrate the fundamental building blocks of distributed quantum computing and quantum repeaters by teleporting a controlled-NOT gate between two distant trapped-ion quantum computation nodes.  Additionally, we are exploring heterogeneous architectures and pathways towards scalability, including the development of silicon color center-based quantum technologies for 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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