Experimental Physicist Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring an Experimental Physicist Postdoctoral Fellow within the ESnet division. We are launching a new multi-platform quantum 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!

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 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

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, with experience presenting research findings in group settings and at national/international conferences.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 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)

What This Job Offers

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