Optical Engineer Quantum Computing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring an Experimental Physicist Postdoctoral Fellow within the ESnet division. We are launching a new multi-platform quantum computing and networking effort within ESnet, in collaboration with the AMCR and NERSC divisions of the Computing Sciences Area (CSA) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). We are seeking a highly motivated Experimental Postdoctoral Researcher to help develop optical interconnects between different types of qubit systems. The goal of the project is to demonstrate a quantum network that enables remote entanglement and quantum teleportation between atomic and solid-state qubits, as a foundation for distributed quantum computing.

You will help build and operate two experimental platforms, laser-cooled neutral atoms and rare-earth-ion-doped crystals, and connect them via ensemble-based light-matter quantum interfaces. These systems will be further integrated with our existing trapped-ion platform to distribute entanglement across multiple qubit types. In parallel, the rare-earth solid-state system will be coupled to microwave resonators to explore future connections to superconducting qubits. The project will conclude with a demonstration of quantum gate teleportation between small-scale trapped-ion and neutral-atom processors, enabled by both single-atom and ensemble-based atomic qubits serving as optical interconnects.

As the postdoctoral researcher on this project, you will be at the center of this collaborative effort, helping define the experimental and engineering pathways required to scale heterogeneous qubit technologies into distributed quantum computers. You will work closely with and provide feedback to scientific and engineering teams to explore scalable and fault-tolerant distributed quantum computing, from experimental implementations to architectures, algorithms, and applications.

Titled "Exploring Atomic Ensemble Qubits for Distributed Quantum Computing," this LBNL-funded initiative brings together experts from the ESnet, NERSC, and AMCR divisions. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to help shape the future of quantum computing by leveraging existing quantum networking and computing testbeds, close ties with UC Berkeley, and access to the nation's leading user facilities for high-performance computing and scientific networking. The project will also closely synergize with the QUANT-NET program (https://quantnet.lbl.gov/), sharing ion-trap-based quantum networking nodes across teams to accelerate the integration of heterogeneous qubit platforms into a distributed quantum network

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans

• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams! 

• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.

• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

You will:

• Build and commission new experimental apparatus for laser-cooled neutral-atom and/or cryogenically cooled solid-state qubit platform

• Develop and maintain experimental control systems, including hardware, electronics

• Perform experiments involving coherent manipulation of multi-qubit platforms and their optical interconnection for quantum networking

• Analyze experimental results using appropriate numerical and computational techniques

• Collaborate closely with theory teams to support experiments and develop new ideas

• Provide technical feedback to engineering and architecture teams for evaluating practical large-scale implementations

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Assist with project coordination and contribute to the preparation of project deliverables

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

• Disseminate research findings through publications in high-impact journals and presentations at national and international conferences

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. (and/or prior postdoctoral experience) in quantum computing, quantum optics, quantum networking, or a closely related field

• Strong experimental background in at least one qubit platform, such as neutral-atom arrays, trapped ions, rare-earth-ion-doped crystals, or other matter-based qubit systems used in quantum computing or networking

• Extensive hands-on experience with ultra-high-vacuum systems, cryogenic systems, coherent laser systems and stabilization, and experimental electronics and control software

• Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of optical systems for trapping, imaging, and addressing single atoms/ions and/or photonic device development for solid-state qubit platforms

• Solid understanding of light-matter quantum interfaces, including optical quantum memories, entangled photon sources, atom-cavity systems, and optical-domain quantum frequency conversion

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Familiarity with theoretical frameworks and systems-engineering approaches to large-scale distributed quantum computing

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams composed of scientists, engineers, and students

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience presenting research findings in group settings and at national/international conferences.

Additional information:

• Appointment type: This is a full-time 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

• Salary range:  The salary range for this position is $6,924 - $8,026 and is expected to start at $6,924 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.

• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work modality: Work may be performed on-site, hybrid, full-time telework. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States.

• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.