AMO Research Physicist (Atomic Molecular Optical)
Research Physicist, Atomic-Molecular-Optical (AMO) Physics
Princeton, NJ
Job Description:
SRI International is an independent, non-profit research institute delivering unique, scientist-driven solutions for the world’s important challenges. SRI's Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD) performs research across a wide range of disciplines, from quantum sensing, novel material development, and optics and photonics, to advanced optical, radar, and imaging systems.
ATSD's Security & Survivability program at our campus in Princeton, NJ has an immediate opening for a Research Physicist, specifically to support the growth of our quantum sensing program activity. We are seeking a candidate with excellent working knowledge of experimental Atomic-Molecular-Optical (AMO) Physics or equivalent, ideally with expertise in quantum sensing or quantum communications subfields. The candidate will have the opportunity to make leading contributions to ongoing funded research programs spanning Rydberg-atom electrometry, magnetometry, compact cold-atom systems, and matter-wave interferometry. An ideal candidate will be able to lead as we expand our portfolio into quantum entanglement distribution, distributed quantum sensing, quantum apertures, and other future pioneering research.
The position will be part of a close-knit team of applied AMO and photonics physicists and engineers who perform research and development from idea generation through prototype demonstration. The candidate will perform hands-on experiments within equipped AMO laboratories, numerical modeling and analysis, and support development of new ideas, with expectation for publication of high-impact research results and presentations at industry and academic meetings.
The candidate will have the opportunity to develop into a Principal Investigator, designing novel research paths, supervising research staff, and interacting with research sponsors to fund new program directions.
Qualifications:
- PhD in Applied Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with post-degree experience a plus.
- Due to government requirements candidates must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance. Current active clearance a plus.
- Deep AMO expertise, experimental and/or theoretical
- Experience in precision measurement/metrology using atomic systems
- Experience with laser systems, optics, vacuum systems, RF and electronics
- Should also possess strong numerical and analytical modeling skills (e.g. Matlab, Python, COMSOL, etc.)
- Working knowledge of data acquisition and control systems (e.g. National Instruments) and signal processing
Sub-specialties of interest could include:
- Quantum sensing: Magnetometry, electrometry, and/or inertial navigation
- Physics of atom-based vapor cell and/or cold-atom devices and systems
- Atom-photon interactions, including nanofabricated platforms
- Matter-wave interferometry
- Cavity quantum electrodynamics
- Quantum secure communications; quantum memory
- Photonic integrated circuits
- Rydberg-atom physics
Other Requirements:
--Ability to transfer/obtain/maintain a U.S. government security clearance required. See http://www.dss.mil/psmo-i/ps_faqs.html, --U.S. Citizenship required