Applied Physicist - GTRI-CIPHER

The Quantum Systems (QS) Division of the Georgia Tech Research Institute's Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research (CIPHER) Lab is seeking self-motivated individuals with experience in quantum sensor or computing research. The division is composed of a large team of scientists and engineers from disciplines including physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, optical science, mechanical engineering, mathematics, and chemical engineering. QS employees perform fundamental research exploring next-generation technologies based on exotic physical phenomena, working to prove that devices based on these technologies can provide real-world solutions relevant to sponsors.

Our research portfolio includes funded programs in trapped-ion quantum computing, simulation, and sensing, quantum magnetometry and electrometry, molecular data storage technology, mass spectrometry, and chemical sensing. Support is also available for development of projects outside of existing areas of research. QS researchers frequently contribute to projects in other GTRI labs and CIPHER divisions involving research in other topics including artificial intelligence and machine learning, communications, biophysics, security, and optics.

The candidate will be expected to work independently and effectively in a highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary team environment.
Affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology and located on its main campus in Atlanta Georgia, GTRI offers a unique opportunity to conduct applied research in a university setting. Employees in this position are encouraged to publish academic literature and pursue collaborations with academic, government, and industry partners.

An applied physicist leverages knowledge and skills from the fields of physics, chemistry, material science, and mathematics to contribute to the research, analysis, design, and development of innovative systems, sensors, materials, and devices. They design and conduct experiments and/or simulations to ascertain physical properties and behaviors. Experiments conducted may involve the measurement, characterization, and testing of equipment and environmental phenomenology using specialized tools. Fundamental physical principles are used to inform the design of systems and sensors, to evaluate their theoretical performance, and to develop algorithms. Areas of application may include: optical systems, energy systems and storage, quantum systems, EO/IR & RF M&S and analysis, and photonics, and new materials. An applied physicist might also contribute to the development and application of new materials related to energy production, harvesting, and storage or to areas as diverse as healthcare, entertainment, or national security.

• Perform basic tests, experiments, calculations, and/or simulations to determine physical parameters/properties and behaviors of materials and systems and conduct basic data analysis on the results of measurements and/or simulations
• Perform literature surveys on research topics
• Generate documentation of experiments and results

• Contribute to existing experimental quantum sensor and simulation/computing research programs,
• Author technical reports and publications,
• Present research to sponsors and peers in the lab, at program reviews, and in conferences,
• Keep up to date in relevant published literature on applied quantum technologies,
• Participate in proposal writing and other business development activities.

• Candidates currently enrolled in an accredited degree program relevant to this position will be considered.
• Demonstrated expertise, e.g. through peer-reviewed publications, in the field of experimental quantum sensing or quantum computing.
• Familiarity with experimental techniques common in atomic, molecular, and optical physics labs.

• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• Lab experience with trapped ions, laser cooling, vapor cell sensors and spectroscopy, or solid state color centers, e.g. NV-centers in diamond.
• Experience designing and demonstrating practical or fielded quantum devices.
• Skills (any of the following): scientific programming, micro/nano-fabrication methods, integrated photonic design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• An ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.

<10% travel

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 0 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, or a related field.

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link:

Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) at Georgia Tech Research Institute aims to enhance the Institute's mission of solving the world's most complex technical problems by creating a workforce with a shared appreciation for diversity, raising awareness around inclusiveness, and fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for all members of our community.

Georgia Tech Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees. Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law.