Associate Research Scientist (PREP0004161) Full-time

Associate Research Scientist

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.

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. US citizenship is preferred.

Duties include:

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

Qualifications:

• US citizenship is preferred.
• A PhD degree in Physics with 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.