Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK
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The Quantum Group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers with backgrounds in physics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering who are interested in experimental quantum optics. This position focuses on developing novel quantum states and exploring their applications in quantum sensing, quantum information processing, and quantum machine learning. Applicants with expertise in quantum optics and quantum information experiments, electronics, and experimental system control will receive strong consideration.
The successful candidate will join a growing interdisciplinary quantum optics research group in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Tennessee. The postdoctoral researcher will lead independent and collaborative projects in experimental quantum sensing and quantum information, with a particular focus on developing and applying nonclassical light and quantum measurement techniques. This position offers exciting opportunities to integrate theory, experiment, and simulation, and to collaborate closely with researchers at the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Quantum Group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers with backgrounds in physics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering who are interested in experimental quantum optics. This position focuses on developing novel quantum states and exploring their applications in quantum sensing, quantum information processing, and quantum machine learning. Applicants with expertise in quantum optics and quantum information experiments, electronics, and experimental system control will receive strong consideration.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (degree must be conferred by the start date).
Experience:
Demonstrated hands-on experimental experience in quantum optics or related experimental physics.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Expertise in experimental skills and related laboratory techniques.
Proficiency in programming, data analysis, and experimental control tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, FPGA programming).
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
Research background in squeezed light, photonics, quantum information or quantum computing.
Experience with system control techniques.
Prior experience mentoring junior researchers.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Familiarity with designing electronics and vacuum system operation.
Working knowledge of AI/ML methods.
Ability to bridge interdisciplinary research areas.
Work Location
Knoxville, Tennessee (University of Tennessee, Department of Physics & Astronomy).
Onsite position; limited hybrid flexibility may be considered.
Compensation and Benefits
Anticipated hiring range: $67,000 - $70,000
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Application Instructions
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
CV
List of publications
Contact information for three professional references
A cover letter describing research background, interests, and fit for the position
About The College
The Department has an exemplary research record, with eight professors earning NSF CAREER awards since 2012, eight professors among the world’s top two percent of physicists based on citation count, the award of the prestigious American Physical Society 2021 Bonner Prize, eleven APS Fellows, and four AAAS Fellows. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Tennessee’s flagship state research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates and a premier graduate institution with a number of nationally and internationally ranked programs and with national and international leadership in numerous fields.
Design and execute cutting-edge quantum optical experiments in collaboration with graduate students.
Develop and perform simulations, analytical modeling, and comprehensive data analysis to interpret experimental outcomes.
Collaborate with theoretical groups to bridge models and measurements, foster new experimental concepts and research directions.
Lead and contribute to high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences.
Mentor and support graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to a collaborative and innovative research environment.