Quantum Key Distribution Theory (QKD), Theory Postdoctoral Positions

These positions will be available immediately in Professor Lütkenhaus’ Research group. You will be working with a team of researchers in project to develop and to apply new tools to derive the security analysis of QKD protocols relevant to deployment in optical communication networks. The projects take place in collaboration with other international leading academic and industrial partners in satellite and fiber optics networks.

One postdoc will take the lead on the further development of our numerical toolbox for the security analysis of QKD protocols. Qualifications:

PhD degree in Physics or Mathematics Experience with numerical optimization approaches for convex problems
Familiarity in team work involving numerical projects Familiarity with open source developments
Familiarity with Quantum Mechanical Formalism
Experience in Quantum Communication, Cryptography

The second postdoc will concentrate on the conceptual development to connect this toolbox to relevant optical protocols: Qualifications:

PhD degree in Physics or Mathematical Physics
Experience in Quantum Communication Theory
Familiarity with basic Quantum Optics elements

The third postdoc will integrate all components of practical QKD protocol elements to form a coherent and water tight security analysis of the full QKD protocol, including finite size effects. Qualifications:

PhD degree in Physics or Mathematical Physics
Experience in Quantum Communication Theory
Familiarity with challenges and tools of Quantum Optics implementations

You will be working with a team of undergraduate and graduate students and postdocs to develop new protocols and to analyze their fundamental security properties in rigorous and thorough manner. Within the team, you will have the opportunity to grow your professional skills by being involved in the supervision of students, to develop a teaching record, and to broaden your technical and professional skills via the offerings of our CryptoWorks21 programme. Our research is funded and supported by external partners in a free academic setting. More detail about the research group can be found at Lutkenhaus Group website.

Quantum information science aims to develop transformational technologies that harness the power of quantum mechanics. The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is a world-leading institute for research in quantum information at the University of Waterloo. IQC has 28 faculty members whose research programs span the areas of Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Combinatorics & Optimization, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Physics & Astronomy, and Pure Mathematics. IQC members have the opportunity to interact with other research groups at the University, such as the Centre for Applied Cryptographic Research and the newly founded Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute, and the nearby Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. We are based in the new Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre, a state-of-the-art facility at the heart of the University of Waterloo campus, which provides unprecedented opportunities for research, collaboration and innovation.

The appointment will be for 2 years with the possibility of 1 year extension, pending on research funding. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo encourages applications from all qualified individuals, members of visible minorities, native peoples, and persons with disabilities. Applications will be reviewed starting Dec 1st 2017 until all positions are filled. Starting dates are negotiable with an aim at early 2018.

Any enquiries should be directed to lutkenhaus.office@uwaterloo.ca quoting PD17KHG in the subject line. Applications should be submitted via the IQC Open Positions homepage https://services.iqc.uwaterloo.ca/applications/positions/PD17KHG/