Postdoctoral Research Associate - Photonic Quantum Sensing and Computing

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We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on experimental research in photonic quantum sensing and computing. This position resides in the Quantum Sensing and Computing Group in the Computational Science and Engineering Division (CSED), Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Participate in new and ongoing research in experimental photonic quantum sensing and computing, including optomechanical sensors and transducers, generation and characterization of photonic quantum resource states, and use of photonic quantum states for quantum computing.
• Formulate novel quantum sensing and computing solutions to problems of national interest and support the research and development necessary for the practical implementation of those solutions.
• Interpret, report, and present research concepts and results to national audiences at all levels.
• Write peer-reviewed scientific articles and present research findings at major scientific conferences.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics or a related field completed within the last 5 years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• We are interested in candidates with general experimental research experience in quantum optics, optomechanics, optical cavities, and/or photonic quantum sensing and computing.
• Experience with control electronics, data acquisition systems, machine learning and AI for control and optimization of experimental apparatus.
• Experience with vacuum and cryo systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment.

These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

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