Experimental Postdoc – Quantum Computing and Networking

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

3d • $83,088 - $96,312

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring an Experimental Physicist Postdoctoral Fellow in the ESnet division for a new multi-platform quantum computing and networking effort, in collaboration with the AMCR and NERSC divisions. The initiative aims to develop optical interconnects between different qubit systems and demonstrate remote entanglement and quantum teleportation between atomic and solid-state qubits as a foundation for distributed quantum computing.

The postdoctoral researcher will help build and operate experimental platforms based on laser-cooled neutral atoms and rare-earth-ion-doped crystals, and connect them through ensemble-based light–matter quantum interfaces. The systems will be integrated with an existing trapped-ion platform to distribute entanglement across multiple qubit types. The rare-earth solid-state system will also be coupled to microwave resonators to explore connections to superconducting qubits. The project aims to demonstrate quantum gate teleportation between small-scale trapped-ion and neutral-atom processors, with single-atom and ensemble-based atomic qubits serving as optical interconnects.

The researcher will help define experimental and engineering pathways for scaling heterogeneous qubit technologies into distributed quantum computers. They will work with scientific and engineering teams on scalable and fault-tolerant distributed quantum computing, spanning experimental implementations, architectures, algorithms, and applications. The LBNL-funded initiative brings together ESnet, NERSC, and AMCR experts and will leverage existing quantum networking and computing testbeds, ties with UC Berkeley, and national high-performance computing and scientific networking user facilities. It will also synergize with the QUANT-NET program, sharing ion-trap-based quantum networking nodes across teams.

This is a full-time, two-year postdoctoral appointment, with possible renewal based on satisfactory performance, continued funding, and operational needs. Applicants must have less than three years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary is $6,924–$8,026, with the expected starting salary at $6,924 or above; pay is determined by postdoctoral step rates based on completed years of post-Ph.D. experience. The primary location is Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California. Work may be on-site, hybrid, or full-time telework, but must be performed within the United States. The position is union represented and subject to a background check.

Requirements

• 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 designing and implementing optical systems for trapping, imaging, and addressing single atoms or ions, and/or developing photonic devices 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.
• Less than three years of paid postdoctoral experience.

Nice To Haves

• 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, including experience presenting research findings in group settings and at national or international conferences.

Responsibilities

• Build and commission experimental apparatus for laser-cooled neutral-atom and/or cryogenically cooled solid-state qubit platforms.
• Develop and maintain experimental control systems, including hardware and 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 with theory teams to support experiments and develop new ideas.
• Provide technical feedback to engineering and architecture teams evaluating practical large-scale implementations.
• Assist with project coordination and contribute to preparation of project deliverables, as needed.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Disseminate research findings through publications in high-impact journals and presentations at national and international conferences.

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans.
• Vacation and sick time accrual.
• Annual Winter Holiday Shutdown.
• Parental bonding leave for mothers and fathers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree