JOB DESCRIPTION

The Quantum Group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is seeking highly motivated Postdoctoral Researchers with backgrounds in physics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering who are interested in experimental quantum optics. This position focuses on developing novel quantum states and exploring their applications in quantum sensing, quantum information processing, and quantum machine learning. Applicants with expertise in quantum optics and quantum information experiments, electronics, and experimental system control will receive strong consideration.

The successful candidate will join a growing interdisciplinary quantum optics research group in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Tennessee. The postdoctoral researcher will lead independent and collaborative projects in experimental quantum sensing and quantum information, with a particular focus on developing and applying nonclassical light and quantum measurement techniques. This position offers exciting opportunities to integrate theory, experiment, and simulation, and to collaborate closely with researchers at the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and execute cutting-edge quantum optical experiments in collaboration with graduate students.
• Develop and perform simulations, analytical modeling, and comprehensive data analysis to interpret experimental outcomes.
• Collaborate with theoretical groups to bridge models and measurements, foster new experimental concepts and research directions.
• Lead and contribute to high-impact publications in peer-reviewed journals and present results at conferences.
• Mentor and support graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to a collaborative and innovative research environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field (degree must be conferred by the start date).

Experience:

• Demonstrated hands-on experimental experience in quantum optics or related experimental physics.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Expertise in experimental skills and related laboratory techniques.
• Proficiency in programming, data analysis, and experimental control tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB, FPGA programming).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Experience:

Preferred Qualifications

• Research background in squeezed light, photonics, quantum information or quantum computing.
• Experience with system control techniques.
• Prior experience mentoring junior researchers.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Familiarity with designing electronics and vacuum system operation.
• Working knowledge of AI/ML methods.
• Ability to bridge interdisciplinary research areas .

Work Location

• Knoxville, Tennessee (University of Tennessee, Department of Physics & Astronomy).
• Onsite position; limited hybrid flexibility may be considered.

Compensation And Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $67,000 - $70,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit the following materials:

• CV
• List of publications
• Contact information for three professional references
• A cover letter describing research background, interests, and fit for the position

About The College

The Department has an exemplary research record, with eight professors earning NSF CAREER awards since 2012, eight professors among the world’s top two percent of physicists based on citation count, the award of the prestigious American Physical Society 2021 Bonner Prize, eleven APS Fellows, and four AAAS Fellows. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Tennessee’s flagship state research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates and a premier graduate institution with a number of nationally and internationally ranked programs and with national and international leadership in numerous fields.

ABOUT US

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!