PREP0004161 Quantum Networking Research Physicist

PREP Research Associate

Opportunity No.: PREP0004161

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, and 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.

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Quantum Networking Research Physicist 

Project Description:

The Information Technology Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking qualified candidates for the position of research physicist. The position will be for performing advanced quantum optical experiments within the Quantum Information Groups (QIG) Quantum Communication and Networking Project. The researcher will be tasked with independently developing and implementing the phase/polarization stabilization and recovery processes compatible with optical fiber-based quantum networks in very challenging conditions (such as long distance, lossy, and noisy aerial fibers). The researcher will also be tasked with implementing Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) experiments across quantum network nodes for entanglement distribution, along with the required node synchronization over the network. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Independently develop processes for phase and polarization recovery compatible with optical fiber-based quantum networks in very challenging conditions
• Perform advanced quantum optics and quantum networking experiments
• Produce high-quality publications based on research and results presented at internal and external meetings and conferences

Desired Qualifications: 

• U.S. citizenship preferred
• Ph.D. degree in Physics
• 3 or more years of relevant experimental experience
• Expertise in Quantum Optics, Quantum Mechanics, and Quantum Information Systems (QIS), including a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of polarized light transmission through optical fibers at the classical and single photon level
• Ability to build complex and extensive quantum optical experiments
• Ability to develop deployable tools needed for advanced quantum networking experiments
• Strong oral and written communication skills and strong presentation skills

Other Details:

• Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
• Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
• Duration: this is expected to be a one year position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.
• For questions related to the research project or the nature of the work in this position, please contact Dr. Oliver T. Slattery (oliver.slattery@nist.gov). For questions related to the online application or NIST PREP more generally, please contact msu-nistprep@morgan.edu.

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Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)

Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.

PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.

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Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use the information you submit for the purpose stated.