Quantum Frontiers Postdoctoral Scholar

Penn State University • University Park, IL

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) 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. 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, Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, and National Security Institute. 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.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in computer science, cybersecurity, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, physics, or a closely related field by the start date
• Strong Computing-oriented research profile, including expertise in cybersecurity, cryptography, secure systems, quantum software, quantum networking security, or post-quantum security
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Candidates from physics or quantum science backgrounds are encouraged to apply when their work has clear security relevance
• Candidates with interdisciplinary experience and an interest in building collaborative research programs are encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Other standard university benefits

What This Job Offers

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