We are strategic risk takers, innovators, and collaborators. We are engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals. We are 1,800 employees advancing knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Fermilab has been at the forefront of particle physics for more than 40 years. We build world-leading accelerators and detectors to conduct some of the most advanced particle physics experiments possible. We collect and analyze the data from those experiments with some of the most powerful computers in the world. We conduct this research on a 6,800-acre prairie, 35 miles outside Chicago, a treasure that has been designated a National Environmental Research Park. 

You Will: 

The Fermilab Quantum Institute (FQI) seeks outstanding applicants for a postdoctoral Research Associate position in quantum communications. FQI leverages existing Fermilab expertise and infrastructure and partners with leading QIS researchers to pursue high-impact QIS research and development while advancing high-energy physics applications. In this pursuit, FQI takes advantage of new quantum capabilities and builds the capacity necessary for the applications’ deployment. In support of the Fermilab science program and HEP science objectives, FQI engages with QIS initiatives across the entire DOE Office of Science. 

 The quantum communications group of FQI is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the current research towards achieving a functional quantum network in the Chicago metropolitan areas. The group has recently obtained a record high quantum teleportation fidelity (PRX Quantum 1, 020317), and is currently leading the DOE’s Illinois Express Quantum Network (IEQNET) multi-year project. 

The position is for a period of three (3) years, with the potential for extension, pending additional funding. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Participate in new and ongoing research in quantum communication and quantum sensors such as SNSPDS
• Lead the ongoing efforts to demonstrate complex quantum networking protocols with multiple nodes and separated by up to 50 km 
• Scientific interpretation and reporting the research concepts and results. 
• Summarize and presented results to national audiences at all levels 
• Write peer-reviewed publications and technical reports for internal and external release and represent the organization by giving technical presentations in large public forums 
• Mentoring of graduate students and research interns at Fermilab through the existing collaborations 
• The selected candidate will strongly benefit from close collaboration with other scientists working in areas such as quantum optics, analog and digital electronics, as well as photon detection with quantum sensors. In addition, the project has a close collaboration with other academic institutions and partner enterprises 

We Are Looking For: 

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Computer Science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years 
• Proven track record of high impact scientific research demonstrated by scientific publications 
• Experience in experimental optical telecommunications or experimental quantum communications is require Experience in fiber-based quantum communication, coherent optical communication, fiber optics components, and single photon detection will be positively valued 
• Previous research experience in theoretical and/or experimental quantum information science 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Application Instructions: 

Please accompany your applications with: 

For any additional information and clarification about the position please reach out to Cristián Peña (cmorgoth@fnal.gov). 

FRA encourages all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and to mitigate against severe illness from infection. Upon employment with FRA, all employees must state their vaccination status. Please note that all vaccination and testing requirements are subject to change. Testing of unvaccinated employees may be required for Fermilab site access, depending on community transmission levels. 

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.