Contract Quantum Software Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), https://ist.psu.edu/, at Penn State invites applications for the position of its inaugural Quantum Frontiers Postdoctoral Scholar. This year, two such positions are available, one in Quantum + security and the other in Quantum + AI. There are two separate job postings. This ad is for the Quantum + security position and is intended to advance high-impact research at the intersection of quantum computing, cybersecurity, secure systems, and trustworthy AI.
Quantum computing is poised to transform computation, communication, cryptography, and national security. At the same time, the emerging quantum era introduces urgent cybersecurity challenges, including the need for post-quantum cryptographic systems, secure quantum protocols, resilient cyber infrastructure, and new methods for protecting quantum-enabled technologies. This position will help IST build research capacity and national leadership in secure and trustworthy systems for the quantum era.
The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research on topics including:

• Security of quantum algorithms, quantum software, and quantum networks
• Quantum-safe cybersecurity for critical infrastructure
• AI-enabled cyber defense in quantum and post-quantum contexts
• Trustworthy, resilient, and policy-aware security systems for emerging quantum technologies

The postdoctoral scholar will be based in the IST and will have opportunities to collaborate across Penn State, including with the Penn State Quantum Hub (https://quantum.psu.edu/), Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (https://icds.psu.edu/), and National Security Institute (https://nsi.psu.edu/). The position is designed to catalyze interdisciplinary research, support proposal development, mentor students, and contribute to Penn State's growing leadership at the quantum-security nexus.
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to:

• Conduct original research in quantum security, post-quantum cybersecurity, or closely related areas
• Collaborate with faculty across cybersecurity, quantum computing, AI, systems, and policy
• Contribute to external funding proposals to agencies such as NSF, DOE, DARPA, and other sponsors
• Develop a quantum + security course
• Help develop IST's visibility and research portfolio in quantum-era cybersecurity

Qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in computer science, cybersecurity, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, physics, or a closely related field by the start date. Because this position is centered on quantum-era cybersecurity, we are particularly interested in candidates with a strong Computing-oriented research profile, including expertise in cybersecurity, cryptography, secure systems, quantum software, quantum networking security, or post-quantum security. Candidates from physics or quantum science backgrounds are encouraged to apply when their work has clear security relevance.
Strong candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Cybersecurity
• Cryptography or post-quantum cryptography
• Quantum computing, quantum information, or quantum networking
• Secure systems and software
• AI for cybersecurity
• Critical infrastructure security
• Security policy, risk, and governance related to emerging technologies

Candidates with interdisciplinary experience and an interest in building collaborative research programs are encouraged to apply.
Appointment Details
The position is a full-time postdoctoral appointment, with an anticipated start date in early Fall 2026, though an earlier start date may be possible. Medical insurance and other standard university benefits are also provided. The scholar will be initially supervised by the Head of Department of Privacy and Cybersecurity Informatics (PCI) in the IST to support their integration into the department and the broader Penn State research community. Based on research alignment, the scholar will further have opportunities to collaborate with and be co-mentored by faculty across Penn State.
Application Materials
Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter describing research interests and fit for the "Quantum + Security" position
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (up to two pages)
• Up to three representative publications
• Names and contact information for three professional references

System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
About Penn State
Penn State is a leading public research university with significant strengths in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum science, computational and data sciences, national security, and interdisciplinary research. This position will contribute to Penn State's strategic efforts to build research leadership in secure, trustworthy, and intelligent systems for the quantum era.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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