Full time

Postdoctoral Researcher in Superconducting Cavity Optomechanics

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:51:51 +0000

Postdoctoral Researcher in Superconducting Cavity Optomechanics Takudzwa Chipo… Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:51

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is searching for talented and motivated postdoctoral researchers to join the Quantum Cavity Optomechanics (QCOM) group under the supervision of Professor Bradley Hauer. The position is focused on the development of micro/mm-wave superconducting optomechanical devices and their associated measurement infrastructure for the advancement of quantum technologies and fundamental research.

Responsibilities/Job duties: The responsibilities associated with this position include designing and simulating superconducting circuits; developing nano-fabrication processes; designing and constructing low-noise cryogenic measurement chains; performing micro/mm-wave measurements; analyzing and interpreting experimental results; and disseminating research through written publications and conference presentations. The successful candidate will also be expected to mentor junior group members and provide support for their projects.

Qualifications/Skills:

Applicants for this position should hold (or be near completion of) a PhD degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
Ideal candidates will have previous research experience in one or more of the following fields: superconducting circuit design and fabrication, superconducting device theory, low-temperature physics, nano/micro-fabrication, materials characterization, micro/mm-wave electronics, or quantum sensing.
However, applicants with expertise in other relevant areas, including quantum information, mesoscopic physics, quantum optics, and atomic physics, may also be considered.
Previous experience in designing and building cryogenic measurement systems, nanofabrication skills, and demonstrated leadership are all assets.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is also required.

Location: Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ (UW), ��ݮ��Ƶ, Ontario, Canada

Benefits:

$50k-$70k/year (depending on experience and available funds).
Postdoctoral researchers at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ (UW) receive extended health benefits, including dental, life insurance, and sick leave, and are allotted one month of vacation during each year of employment.

How to apply: Interested applicants should email their CV and contact information for at least two references to bhauer@uwaterloo.ca.

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by March 31, 2025. Applications received after this date may still be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Position start date: Available immediately (start date is negotiable).

Position end date: The initial contract will be for 1 year, with the possibility of extension contingent on performance and available funding.

About the Institute for Quantum Computing: Located in the 285,000 sq ft Quantum-Nano Center (QNC) on UW campus, IQC provides a vibrant, multidisciplinary research environment hosting over 250 researchers in the fields of physics, engineering, chemistry, math, and computer science working on a broad spectrum of topics in quantum information, communication, and sensing. IQC is closely connected to a larger network of researchers working on quantum technologies in multiple departments across UW and the nearby Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. The research will take place in close collaboration with other members of the QCOM group using both shared and dedicated facilities located in QNC and the Research Advancement Center (RAC). Device fabrication will be performed in the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility (QNFCF), an 8,000 sq ft state-of-the-art clean room located in QNC with several tools and processes dedicated to superconducting device fabrication.

Postdoctoral researcher position in Quantum Photonics

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 14:52:59 +0000

Postdoctoral researcher position in Quantum Photonics Takudzwa Chipo… Wed, 10/09/2024 - 10:52

We are accepting applications for a postdoctoral position to be part of a collaborative research project between the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ and the Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre at the National Research Council Canada (NRC). The successful candidate will be part of the research effort led by Professor Michael Reimer at IQC and Dr. Dan Dalacu at NRC to develop a deterministic entangled photon source based on quantum dots in nanowires with enhanced performance beyond state-of-the-art for distributed quantum sensing, higher resolution imaging and long-distance entanglement distribution.

The position involves the design, fabrication and characterization of semiconductor microcavities compatible with nanowire quantum dot-based sources of single photons and entangled photon pairs. These experiments will be carried out at NRC’s facilities in Ottawa, Canada.

Applicants are expected to have expertise in nanofabrication of semiconductor-based photonic structures and quantum optical characterization of solid-state non-classical emitters, preferably at cryogenic temperatures.

Responsibilities/Job Duties: The position involves the design, fabrication and characterization of semiconductor microcavities compatible with nanowire quantum dot sources of single photons and entangled photon pairs.

Qualifications/Skills:

Nanofabrication of semiconductor-based photonic structures
Quantum optical characterization of solid-state non-classical emitters, preferably at cryogenic temperatures

Location: National Research Council Canada, Ottawa

Benefits: This position offers an excellent opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive research environment at the forefront of quantum science and technology. You will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources, as well as opportunities for collaboration with leading experts in the field. Postdoctoral fellows at ��ݮ��Ƶ receive extended healthcare benefits including dental, life insurance, and sick leave, as well as one month of annual vacation time.

How to Apply: Please send your CV, contact information for two academic or professional references and a one-page research statement to mreimer@uwaterloo.ca by October 21, 2024.

The position can be extended an additional year dependent of performance and available funding.

About the Institute for Quantum Computing: The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is a world-leading quantum institute at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ. IQC attracts world-class researchers, postdoctoral fellows and students in science, mathematics and engineering to Canada. We train the quantum workforce and support industry through shared-infrastructure and expertise. We are home to 29 faculty members and a community of over 300 researchers who work collaboratively to tackle some of the most challenging problems the world is facing today. IQC’s ongoing partnerships span the globe, encompassing collaborations with other universities, industry, and the public sector on research, training, educational outreach and device fabrication.

Join us in shaping the future of quantum technologies. Apply now and be part of a team committed to advancing scientific knowledge and driving innovation with practical applications. Our research group values the diverse and intersectional identities of the group members. We regard equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence. We seek applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women, and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to anyone including Canadians, permanent residents, and international scholars.

Postdoctoral researcher position in Quantum Algorithms

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 15:29:35 +0000

Postdoctoral researcher position in Quantum Algorithms Takudzwa Chipo… Fri, 08/23/2024 - 11:29

Are you a highly-motivated early-career researcher with a passion for discovering novel disruptive applications for quantum computers? Are you interested in interdisciplinary research where the rigour of mathematics and computer science meets the wonders of quantum computation? If so, we invite you to join our team as a postdoctoral researcher to explore the potential of quantum computational advantage using fault-tolerant quantum algorithms.

Research area: Design and Analysis of Fault-tolerant Quantum Algorithms

Location: Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ

Duration: 2 years, with the possibility of a 1-year extension

Application deadline: December 15, 2024

About the project: Our project focuses on applicability and performance of fault-tolerant quantum computers in solving stochastic and partial differential equations, particularly those of interest in generative modelling, a major field of artificial intelligence (AI). The differential equations we study in this project arise as models of equilibrium and non-equilibrium dynamics in thermodynamical systems, but they marvellously form the foundations of recent revolutionary ideas in generative AI as well, for example, in diffusion models. Our goal is to perform complexity theoretic analysis on quantum algorithms for solving differential equations arising in project-specific generative modeling tasks. We then use these results to obtain end-to-end computational complexity bounds for training and inference from the proposed quantum generative models.

Responsibilities: As a Postdoctoral Researcher on this project, you will be at the forefront of theoretical discoveries and scientific advancements. Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Conducting theoretical research at the intersection of mathematical foundations of stochastic processes, quantum algorithm design, and complexity theoretic analysis.
Generating rigorous complexity theoretic results and developing rigorous theoretical foundations and careful proofs.
Presenting, discussing, and documenting recurring reports on your progress.
Collaborating with our interdisciplinary team of machine learning experts and quantum information scientists to achieve project milestones in a timely manner.
Providing mentorship to graduate student researchers on the team.
Analyzing and interpreting numerical data, as well as contributing to the complementary scientific activities within the broader project team.

Qualifications: To be successful in this role, you should possess the following qualifications:

A Ph.D. degree in Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field, with a strong background in theoretical analysis of quantum and classical algorithms.
Solid background in basic quantum algorithms, such as amplitude amplification, quantum phase estimation, quantum random walks, etc.
Familiarity with fault-tolerant quantum algorithms for Hamiltonian simulation, quantum linear/differential equation solvers, and the state-of-the-art results in this area.
Experience in theoretical aspects of computational complexity, hardness results, query complexity analysis, methods for proving complexity theoretic lower bounds and optimality results, etc.
Proven track record of research excellence, as evidenced by publications in reputable scientific journals and conference presentations.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Bonus qualifications: Familiarity with any or multiple of the following areas is beneficial but not required. Nevertheless, a solid mathematical foundation, a self-driven curiosity, and a desire for learning cross-disciplinary research is highly preferred.

Stochastic processes: basic probability theory, discrete- and continuous-time Markov chains, stochastic differential equations, Itô calculus and integration.
Basic real analysis: Lipschitz continuity, differentiable/smooth functions, spaces of functions, Fourier basis and Fourier transformations, etc.
Basic differential geometry: manifolds and their basic topological properties (e.g., compactness, connectedness, boundaries), differentiable maps between manifolds and their critical loci, curvature and geodesics.
Machine learning theory: generative modelling, variational autoencoders and statistical inference, energy-based and diffusion models, optimal control and optimal transport problems.

How to apply: To apply for this position, please submit the following documents via email to Dr. Pooya Ronagh

A cover letter expressing your interest in the position and your relevant qualifications.
Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your educational background, research experience, and list of publications.
Contact information for at least two academic or professional references.

Principal Investigators: Dr. Pooya Ronagh

Quantum Materials and Devices Laboratory, Research Associate

Takudzwa Chipo Valerie Mudzongo — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 17:33:41 +0000

Quantum Materials and Devices Laboratory, Research Associate Takudzwa Chipo… Wed, 08/14/2024 - 13:33

Title of position: Research Associate

Job duties: The Quantum Materials and Devices Laboratory in the Institute for Quantum Computing and Department of Chemistry at the University of ��ݮ��Ƶ has an exciting research associate position in the area of spintronic phenomena in 2D quantum materials. The successful candidate will develop a new program in the growth of layered magnetic topological compounds and study their transport properties in the atomically thin limit. Job responsibilities involve setting up new infrastructure for the synthesis of high-quality single crystals, assembly and fabrication of 2D heterostructures in inert atmosphere, and carrying out novel electronic and spintronic experiments on devices at low temperature. The candidate will have access to all the nanofabrication and characterization equipment available at the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility as well as cryogenic infrastructure at the Institute for Quantum Computing. The position offers opportunities to work on an interdisciplinary research program and to interact with collaborators in theory and experimental optics.

Company operating name: University of ��ݮ��Ƶ

Business address: 200 University Ave. W., ��ݮ��Ƶ, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada

Terms of employment: Full-time definite-term contract

Closing date: Closing date for receiving applications is September 15, 2024

Contract length: 2 years

Wage range: $62,000 to $65,000 per year depending on qualifications

Benefits package: Research associate definite-term appointments equal to or greater than two years are eligible to receive the following benefits: pension, dental, extended health, group life, sick leave, long-term disability, and Employee & Family Assistance. For more details about benefits please refer to Human Resources.

Location of work: Institute for Quantum Computing, University of ��ݮ��Ƶ, 200 University Ave. W., ��ݮ��Ƶ, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada

Contact information for hiring manager:
Adam W. Tsen
Principal Investigator, Quantum Materials and Devices Laboratory
Institute for Quantum Computing and Department of Chemistry
Phone: 519 888 4567 ext. 30375
Mobile: 226 972 0504
Email (preferred): awtsen@uwaterloo.ca

If you have any questions regarding the position, the application process, assessment process, or eligibility, please contact the hiring manager.

Submission of applications: Applications should be submitted electronically to the following email address: awtsen@uwaterloo.ca. Please submit a current CV with a cover letter and the contact information of 2-3 referees. All applications shall be reviewed; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Skills requirements:

The successful candidate for this position should be an enthusiastic and passionate researcher with the following five (5) essential skills, which must be supported by publication(s):

Expertise in the synthesis of bulk single crystals using flux growth and/or chemical vapor transport.
Expertise in utilizing and maintaining helium cryogenic infrastructure.
Expertise in magnetotransport measurements at low temperatures (< 4K).
Expertise in nanofabrication tools (electron and/or optical lithography, etching, physical vapor deposition, etc.).
Proficiency in LabView, MATLAB, and/or Python programming for instrumentation control.

Additional expected skills:

Strong interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills to work efficiently in a collaborative team environment.
Excellent problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
Ability to multitask effectively, with strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to lead and motivate graduate and co-op student(s), and postdoctoral fellows.
Ability to work safely, effectively, and independently in a lab environment.

Education: PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or other related disciplines from a recognized educational institution.

Work experience: The candidate should have a commendable track record of publications in renowned international journals, and a minimum of four (4) years of postdoctoral experience in mentoring undergraduate students, MSc and/or PhD students.

Schedule: Flexible, 35 hours per week.

Expected start date: October 15, 2024.

The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees.

The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. The University of ��ݮ��Ƶ is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact awtsen@uwaterloo.ca.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

To comply with Federal laws, the University is obliged to gather statistical information about how many applicants for each job vacancy are Canadian citizens / permanent residents of Canada. Applicants need not identify their country of origin or citizenship; however, all applications must include one of the following statements: “I am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”; OR, “I am not a Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada”. Applications that do not include this information will be deemed incomplete.