Berkeley Lab
Theoretical Physicist Postdoc for Distributed Quantum Computing
Berkeley Lab, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709
Overview
Theoretical Physicist Postdoc for Distributed Quantum Computing. This is a two-year, full-time postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding. The project is a recently funded collaboration between the ESnet division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and QuEra Computing, titled “Scalable Neutral-Atom Quantum Computing via Local-Area Quantum Communications Enabled by Atomic Ensemble Qubits.” The research aims to develop an optical interconnect approach for distributed quantum computing with neutral atoms, integrating atomic ensemble qubits into optical tweezer arrays of single atoms to enable quantum networking between state-of-the-art quantum processors and to pave the way for scalable quantum computers. The role involves theoretical and numerical analysis of Rydberg-mediated interactions of a single atom with a micro-ensemble of atoms that can collectively emit and store single photons for high-rate, high-fidelity remote entanglement without the need for optical resonators. The project is a government–industry collaboration under a DOE-funded initiative with ESnet and QuEra, and involves collaboration with researchers and engineers from both teams.
Salary details: the base salary range is provided with step-based progression; the monthly range listed is $8,321–$10,418 and salary steps depend on post-Ph.D. experience. The position location is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA, with potential on-site, hybrid, or telework arrangements.
What You Will Do
Develop theoretical frameworks for quantum light-matter interactions in distributed quantum computing. Model and analyze Rydberg-mediated interactions for single-atom and ensemble qubits. Analyze optical trapping and transport dynamics of single atoms and ensembles. Evaluate and benchmark atomic ensemble qubits as optical quantum memories and deterministic single-photon sources for high-rate, high-fidelity remote entanglement between quantum processors. Investigate the integration of ensemble qubits into multi-zone processor architectures to enable scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing. Collaborate with experimentalists and engineers to guide development and implementation of networked quantum processors.
Additional Responsibilities As Needed
Assist in project coordination and contribute to the preparation of project deliverables. Disseminate research findings through publications in high-impact journals and presentations at conferences. Travel occasionally for collaboration and/or research dissemination.
What Is Required
Ph.D. and/or postdoc experience in quantum optics, quantum networking, or quantum computing. Strong theoretical background in trapping and coherent manipulation of neutral atoms for quantum information processing and quantum communication. Extensive experience in theoretical and numerical studies of quantum light-matter interfaces and Rydberg interactions with single-atom and atomic-ensemble platforms. Proven expertise in modeling and analyzing components of neutral-atom systems, including spin-wave quantum memories, single-photon sources, and Rydberg-based quantum gates. Solid understanding of fault-tolerance in quantum information processing and implications for scalable architectures.
Desired Qualifications
Familiarity with experimental implementations, hardware, tools, and control systems. Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and students from diverse backgrounds. Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience presenting research findings at conferences.
Notes
This is a full-time, 2-year postdoctoral appointment with potential renewal based on performance and funding. Applicants should have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary is determined by postdoctoral step rates and experience. Position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Work location is primarily Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. On-site or hybrid work arrangements may apply as per lab policy. A REAL ID or acceptable ID is required to access Lab sites. Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are welcome from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Theoretical Physicist Postdoc for Distributed Quantum Computing. This is a two-year, full-time postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding. The project is a recently funded collaboration between the ESnet division of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and QuEra Computing, titled “Scalable Neutral-Atom Quantum Computing via Local-Area Quantum Communications Enabled by Atomic Ensemble Qubits.” The research aims to develop an optical interconnect approach for distributed quantum computing with neutral atoms, integrating atomic ensemble qubits into optical tweezer arrays of single atoms to enable quantum networking between state-of-the-art quantum processors and to pave the way for scalable quantum computers. The role involves theoretical and numerical analysis of Rydberg-mediated interactions of a single atom with a micro-ensemble of atoms that can collectively emit and store single photons for high-rate, high-fidelity remote entanglement without the need for optical resonators. The project is a government–industry collaboration under a DOE-funded initiative with ESnet and QuEra, and involves collaboration with researchers and engineers from both teams.
Salary details: the base salary range is provided with step-based progression; the monthly range listed is $8,321–$10,418 and salary steps depend on post-Ph.D. experience. The position location is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA, with potential on-site, hybrid, or telework arrangements.
What You Will Do
Develop theoretical frameworks for quantum light-matter interactions in distributed quantum computing. Model and analyze Rydberg-mediated interactions for single-atom and ensemble qubits. Analyze optical trapping and transport dynamics of single atoms and ensembles. Evaluate and benchmark atomic ensemble qubits as optical quantum memories and deterministic single-photon sources for high-rate, high-fidelity remote entanglement between quantum processors. Investigate the integration of ensemble qubits into multi-zone processor architectures to enable scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing. Collaborate with experimentalists and engineers to guide development and implementation of networked quantum processors.
Additional Responsibilities As Needed
Assist in project coordination and contribute to the preparation of project deliverables. Disseminate research findings through publications in high-impact journals and presentations at conferences. Travel occasionally for collaboration and/or research dissemination.
What Is Required
Ph.D. and/or postdoc experience in quantum optics, quantum networking, or quantum computing. Strong theoretical background in trapping and coherent manipulation of neutral atoms for quantum information processing and quantum communication. Extensive experience in theoretical and numerical studies of quantum light-matter interfaces and Rydberg interactions with single-atom and atomic-ensemble platforms. Proven expertise in modeling and analyzing components of neutral-atom systems, including spin-wave quantum memories, single-photon sources, and Rydberg-based quantum gates. Solid understanding of fault-tolerance in quantum information processing and implications for scalable architectures.
Desired Qualifications
Familiarity with experimental implementations, hardware, tools, and control systems. Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and students from diverse backgrounds. Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience presenting research findings at conferences.
Notes
This is a full-time, 2-year postdoctoral appointment with potential renewal based on performance and funding. Applicants should have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary is determined by postdoctoral step rates and experience. Position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Work location is primarily Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. On-site or hybrid work arrangements may apply as per lab policy. A REAL ID or acceptable ID is required to access Lab sites. Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are welcome from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.
#J-18808-Ljbffr