Professional Research Assistant

Professional Research Assistant

The Professional Research Assistant will contribute to a team which is attempting to design, build, and operate the world's first optical network of superconducting quantum computers. This interdisciplinary project entails the design and construction of nonlinear optical systems capable of generating quantum states of light, precision measurements of those states, and the distribution of this light as an entanglement resource. At the nodes of the network, novel microwave-optical transducers operating in a cryogenic environment will establish the vital interconnect with the qubit states of the superconducting quantum processors.

Through a NIST cleanroom fabrication effort, the transducers are being engineered into reliable, modular, telecom-ready devices. The associate will have the opportunity to become involved with multiple aspects of this project while strengthening an array of skills through hands-on laboratory tasks, design challenges, and data analysis. This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP).

NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PREP is a special partnership between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Colorado Boulder. PREP provides research opportunities to CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in NIST labs to gain research experience alongside NIST scientists. The particular group that needs a researcher is the Quantum Networking & Transduction Group at NIST.

• Design and construction of entangled photon pair sources to generate non-classical, squeezed states of light, non-Gaussian states of light, and quantum entangled light.
• Implementation of quantum measurement protocols such quantum feed forward to reduce measurement noise below classical limits.
• Design and construction of stable opto-mechanic launch systems to efficiently couple non-classical light into and out of cryogenic optical cavity systems.
• Implementation of feed-back control systems to stabilize optical frequency, phase, polarization, and mechanical motion for coherent optical interactions and measurements.
• Performance of precision optical homodyne tomography and correlated noise measurements of quantum optical states to quantify their suitability for network operation.
• Provide technical input to research problems which have been recognized as critical obstacles to progress in quantum networking.
• Prepare journal manuscripts, attend research conferences, and present technical results.
• Work as a member of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

• The salary range for this full-time position is $54,000 - $78,000 annually.

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation.

Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.

• Bachelor's degree in a field of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

• Knowledge of physics, electrical engineering, computer science, and/or quantum information theory.
• Experience with measurement equipment such as signal generators, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, electrical amplifiers, photodetectors, power meters, Fabry-Perot cavities, and lock-in detectors and feedback circuits.
• Familiarity with precision optical, electrical, and microwave measurement techniques.
• Knowledge of cryogenics and dilution refrigerator operating principles is advantageous.
• Ability to write code with MATLAB, Lab View, and Python is required.
• Familiarity with optical design software (e.g. Zemax, Code V, OSLO), mechanical design software (e.g. COMSOL), or…