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Postdoctoral researcher to develop novel photonic hardware for quantum measurement and super intelligence
The work will entail: Postdoctoral research in the NIST Boulder Sources and Detectors Group to develop novel photonic hardware for quantum measurement and super intelligence, with a focus on emerging technologies with future industry relevance and collaboration with industry partners. The position can focus on one of two complementary research directions, depending on the candidate’s background and interests:
- Waveguide-integrated superconducting single-photon detectors. Research will explore the integration of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) with photonic waveguides, with an emphasis on high-efficiency photon detection, device design and fabrication, optical coupling, cryogenic characterization, and integrated quantum photonic systems.
- Optical hardware for super intelligence. Research will explore free-space optical systems for performing high-speed, energy-efficient matrix-vector multiplication and other operations relevant to neural networks. Possible directions include optical architectures for linear algebra, spatial light modulation, photodetection and readout, calibration and control of analog optical systems, and experimental demonstrations of photonic neural-network hardware.
Both directions emphasize the development of new physical hardware and experimental systems, with opportunities spanning device and system design, modeling, fabrication, optical experiments, electronics and control, and data analysis. Projects can be tailored to take advantage of the successful candidate’s expertise while providing opportunities to develop skills across photonics, electronics, quantum technologies, and emerging computing architectures. Candidates are not expected to have experience in both research areas.
The ideal candidate will enjoy building experimental systems, developing new hardware concepts, and working at the intersection of fundamental physics and emerging technologies.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Duties
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Develop new physical hardware and experimental systems, with opportunities spanning device and system design, modeling, fabrication, optical experiments, electronics and control, and data analysis
- Write Python code for data acquisition and analysis.
- Construction and operation of experimental hardware that may include laser optical systems, integrated photonics, cryogenics, and analog or mixed-signal electronics.
- Document results and procedures in lab books, written manuals, operating procedures, or technical reports.
- Communicate results to NIST stakeholders via conference presentations and peer reviewed papers.
Required Skills, Expertise, and Qualifications
- Ph.D. in applied physics, electrical engineering, optics/photonics, quantum science and engineering, or related field, received within the last five years.
- Experience working in laboratory environment.
- Python programming knowledge.
- Dedication to safe operation of laboratory equipment.
- Relevant experience may include integrated photonics, superconducting devices, nanofabrication, cryogenic measurements, free-space optics, optical system design, analog or mixed-signal electronics, computational imaging, or photonic/neuromorphic computing.
Employment Terms
Full Time On Site
How to Express Interest
Apply for this position at SURA.