US Air Force Quantum Research Co-op

Position Description:

The Quantum Information Sciences branch (AFRL/RITQ) seeks post-doctoral candidates to 

perform cutting-edge experimental and theoretical research in a wide range of topics at the frontiers of quantum computing and quantum networking. With a unique interdisciplinary team composed of physicists, engineers, mathematicians, technicians, and computer scientists, RITQ has numerous active research efforts in quantum. Below are the application spaces and skillsets desired for four different research groups available. Applicants must be US citizens.  

Quantum Algorithms:

This team tackles understanding, characterization and exploration of commercially available quantum hardware systems. Application spaces of algorithm development include graph theory optimization and quantum machine learning. Typical summer projects may include programming on a commercially available quantum hardware platform, quantum simulations, software analysis, and algorithmic development. 

Trapped Ion Systems:

The trapped ion team focuses on implementing trapped ion systems using barium 133 and/or ytterbium 171. These isotopes have a combination of properties that make them perform particularly well as a qubit. Past summer projects contributed to the effort at a variety of levels and include a wide range of topics. Examples include: the investigation of a new material for optics mounting, the development of electrical and mechanical ion trap demonstrations, the construction of key pieces of control electronics, and the creation of new versions of existing lab tools at new wavelengths. 

Integrated Quantum Photonics:

This team centers on both the theoretical and experimental aspects of photon-based qubits.  The team develops the technology to generate, manipulate, measure, and quantify entangled photons.  Typical summer projects include the production and quantification of entangled photons, programming to automate test equipment, integrated photonic device modeling, and theoretical models for quantum transduction. 

Superconducting Quantum Devices:

The superconducting team’s research focuses on the investigation of new quantum devices, new qubit control and measurement techniques, and the exploration of fundamental physics relevant to quantum networking architectures, with an emphasis on hybrid superconducting systems – i.e. interfaces between superconducting quantum circuits and other leading quantum modalities, such as trapped-ions and quantum photonic circuitry. Typical summer projects may involve one or more of the following: numerical simulations; programming for data acquisition and data analysis applications; design and assembly of laboratory hardware, including mechanical, electronic, and cryogenic components; and participation in quantum measurements. 

Requirements:

• A Ph.D. or equivalent demonstrating research performance and communicating about research.
• Applicants must be US citizens.

Desired Skills:

• Physics, Mathematics, Comp. Sci or Engineering background.
• Familiarity with Python or Matlab or Mathematica or C or a Quantum Language (Qisket).
• Familiarity with any quantum platform, including but not limited to quantum optics, photonics, trapped-ion, atomic molecular optics, opto/electro-mechanical systems, and superconducting circuits.

Useful Skills:

• Experimental design and setup, laboratory experience.
• Analog and digital electronic/circuit design and assembly, including CAD software.
• Mechanical design/CAD programs experience.

Other Requirements: 

Applicants must be US citizens.