Indiana University, Physics Department

Position ID:

Indiana University-Physics Department-POSTDOC2 [#31539]

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Position

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States of America

Subject Area:

Physics / Quantum Optics

Appl Deadline:

2026/02/15 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2026/01/16, listed until 2026/02/16)

Position Description:

A Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Quantum Optical Physics: Theoretical, Simulation, Modeling for Experimental Design Title: Postdoctoral Fellow, physics Appointment Status: Non-tenure track Department: Department of Physics, Indiana University Bloomington Location: Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.A. Position Summary: The Department of Physics at Indiana University Bloomington invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. This position is designed for a researcher who sits at the intersection of theoretical and exepriemental physics. The successful candidate will lead the architectural design/modeling/simulation of a groundbreaking experiment: the direct harvesting and extraction of quantum entanglement from the electromagnetic vacuum states. This is a design-phase experiment of the project, which requires simulations, modeling, calculation based on experimentally feasible and practical constrains and conditions to deliver an experiment-ready blueprint and architecture. Key Research Responsibilities include: (1) Theoretical Modeling: Develop and refine models for entanglement harvesting using continuous-variable quantum information theory and Gaussian quantum states steering. (2) Experimental Simulation: Simulate the detection of vacuum fluctuations via electro-optic sampling, incorporating realistic parameters for femtosecond few-cycle laser pulses, terahertz bandwidths, and detector electronics. (3) System Architecture: Define the critical engineering requirements (optical pulse duration, terahertz crystal materials in cryogenetic environments, signal-to-noise ratio optimization, entanglement witnesses and verification) necessary to resolve the entangled vacuum variance. Relevant keywords of this project in experiment includes: electro-optic sampling, terahertz pulses, femtosecond laser pulses, ultrafast optics, carrier-envelope phase/offset, balanced homodyne detection; keywords in theory includes: relativistic quantum information science, quantum field theory, quantum optics, quantum fluctuations of the vacuum, Unruh-DeWitt detector model, entanglement harvesting, entanglement witness. In this exciting role and project, you will work under the direction of Prof. Chen-Ting Liao and in collaboration with other team members and collaborators. For additional information about the Liao research group, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/chentingliao/ Department Contact for Questions: Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to Prof. Chen-Ting Liao (Liao3[at]IU.edu)

Basic Qualifications: • Eligibility according to the project sponsor: (1) U.S. citizenship, or (2) U.S. Permanent Resident/Green Card holder, or (3) in the application process to become a U.S. Permanent Resident/Green Card holder. • Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Quantum Information Science, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field at the time of appointment. (ABD candidates will be considered). • Demonstrated ability to bridge theoretical concepts with physical realizability. • Strong track record of scientific research and peer-reviewed publications. • Excellent written and spoken English communication skills. • High degree of independence and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Additional Qualifications: • Theory: Expertise in quantum optics, quantum information science, or quantum field theory. • Simulation: Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for simulation/modeling and data analysis. • Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics and/or Lumerical is a plus. • Experiment: Familiarity with ultrafast optics, terahertz generation, or balanced homodyne detection is highly desirable. • Design: some experience using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) for experimental layouts is advantageous.

Required Documents: (1) Curriculum Vitae (including completed degrees, list of publications, research experience, and expertise), (2) Letter of Application (cover letter), (3) contact information of at least two references. Applications should be submitted through the application portal located at: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/31923 Expected Start Date: Summer 2026. Applications will be reviewed starting on 2/15/26 and will continue until the position is filled.

Salary and Rank: $54-59K/yr, Postdoctoral Fellow. The initial appointment for this position will be for 2 years. Additional 1 year extension will be available based on performance, mutual agreement, and funding availability of the phase II of the project. A competitive benefits package will be offered by the University.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

We are not accepting applications for this job through AcademicJobsOnline.Org right now. Please apply at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/31923 .

Contact: Prof. Chen-Ting Liao

Email: email address

Postal Mail:

: IU Physics, 727 E. Third St., Swain Hall West Rm. 152, Bloomington, IN 47405

Web Page: https://physics.indiana.edu