Postdoctoral researcher in quantum simulations of chemical dynamics at the Univesity of Sydney

Job type: 

Application deadline: 

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Research group: 

We are seeking a Research Fellow / Postdoctoral Research Associate in Physics for a physics-chemistry multidisciplinary research program focused on quantum simulations of chemical dynamics using trapped ions. This position is open for both experimentalists and theorists. The research will be collaboratively performed with the trapped-ion experimental group at the School of Physics and the theoretical chemistry group at the School of Chemistry. Base Salary A\$101,507 - A\$140,586 p.a + 17% superannuation.

The Quantum Control Laboratory at the University of Sydney is focused on experimental studies of quantum control, quantum computation, metrology, and quantum simulation using trapped ions. The lab is a part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS), a collaboration of five major Australian universities focused on fundamental and applied research in quantum physics and engineering. In addition, the lab is funded by the US Army Research Office (ARO), the US Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the US Air Force of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Furthermore, the University is part of the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA). You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with local and external partners supported by major international projects, including cutting-edge industrial partners such as quantum technology startup Q-CTRL. Details of recent publications and ongoing research projects are available at https://quantum.sydney.edu.au/

The project will focus on developing protocols experimentally and/or theoretically to perform analog quantum simulations of chemical dynamics with a chain of ions trapped in a Paul trap. The work will build on a novel mixed-qudit-boson (MQB) theoretical framework and successful proof-of-principle experimental demonstrations realized at the Quantum Control Laboratory. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of activities through collaboration with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior research leaders on topics that include:

  • Develop novel classical-quantum interface and quantum control protocols to implement robust light-atom interactions.
  • Advancing novel experimental protocols for qudit- and bosonic-based quantum computations.
  • Developing resource-efficient quantum characterisation, verification, and validation by leveraging insights from the fields of robotic control and machine learning.
  • Exploring new techniques in the control and measurement of strongly interacting multi-dimensional quantum systems by leveraging insights from atomic and quantum physics.
  • Developing novel measurement protocols to employ quantum technology for tests of fundamental physics.

The University of Sydney values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Research Fellow /Postdoctoral Research Associate who has:

  • a PhD (or near completion) in Physics or equivalent in a relevant field
  • proven ability to lead projects and deliver major research outcomes
  • evidence of proficiency at oral and written communication
  • evidence of independent contributions to scientific or technical outcomes
  • experience in one or more of the following areas will be desired: ion trapping, atomic physics, light-atom interactions, and quantum control
  • candidates with theoretical backgrounds are welcome, as long as the candidate can demonstrate familiarity with experimental techniques and applications.

To be eligible for this role you must be able to demonstrate your experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • ion trapping
  • atomic physics
  • light-atom interactions
  • quantum simulation
  • quantum computation
  • quantum control

The commencement level will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience and knowledge.

Please feel free to contact tingrei.tan@sydney.edu.au for more details.