NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Developing Novel Photonic Hardware for Quantum Measurement and Artificial Intelligence

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.

Research Title: Postdoctoral researcher to develop novel photonic hardware for quantum measurement and artificial intelligence.

The work will entail:  Postdoctoral research in the NIST Boulder Sources and Detectors Group to develop novel photonic hardware for quantum measurement and artificial intelligence, with a focus on emerging technologies with future industry relevance and collaboration with industry partners. The position can focus on one of two complementary research directions, depending on the candidate’s background and interests:

1. Waveguide-integrated superconducting single-photon detectors. Research will explore the integration of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) with photonic waveguides, with an emphasis on high-efficiency photon detection, device design and fabrication, optical coupling, cryogenic characterization, and integrated quantum photonic systems.
2. Optical hardware for artificial intelligence. Research will explore free-space optical systems for performing high-speed, energy-efficient matrix-vector multiplication and other operations relevant to neural networks. Possible directions include optical architectures for linear algebra, spatial light modulation, photodetection and readout, calibration and control of analog optical systems, and experimental demonstrations of photonic neural-network hardware.

Both directions emphasize the development of new physical hardware and experimental systems, with opportunities spanning device and system design, modeling, fabrication, optical experiments, electronics and control, and data analysis. Projects can be tailored to take advantage of the successful candidate’s expertise while providing opportunities to develop skills across photonics, electronics, quantum technologies, and emerging computing architectures. Candidates are not expected to have experience in both research areas.

The ideal candidate will enjoy building experimental systems, developing new hardware concepts, and working at the intersection of fundamental physics and emerging technologies.

U.S. Citizen Preferred

Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Develop new physical hardware and experimental systems, with opportunities spanning device and system design, modeling, fabrication, optical experiments, electronics and control, and data analysis
• Write Python code for data acquisition and analysis.
• Construction and operation of experimental hardware that may include laser optical systems, integrated photonics, cryogenics, and analog or mixed-signal electronics.
• Document results and procedures in lab books, written manuals, operating procedures, or technical reports.
• Communicate results to NIST stakeholders via conference presentations and peer reviewed papers.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in applied physics, electrical engineering, optics/photonics, quantum science and engineering, or related field, received within the last five years.
• Experience working in laboratory environment.
• Python programming knowledge.
• Dedication to safe operation of laboratory equipment.
• Relevant experience may include integrated photonics, superconducting devices, nanofabrication, cryogenic measurements, free-space optics, optical system design, analog or mixed-signal electronics, computational imaging, or photonic/neuromorphic computing.

Privacy Act Statement
Authority:  15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose:  The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the  Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor’s degree holders, graduate students, master’s degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses:  NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices:  NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure:  Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.

SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

PREP0005266