Postdoctoral Fellowship, Quantum Simulation with Rydberg Atom Arrays (Theory)

The Transformative Quantum Technologies (TQT) program at the University of Waterloo has several openings for Postdoctoral Fellowships (PDFs).

These prestigious positions are available immediately and intended for early-career scientists with an advanced degree (PhD). The selected fellow(s) will join the research group of a Principal Investigator through a TQT-funded project, and contribute to the collaborative TQT research community.

Please visit the University of Waterloo website for more information on Postdoctoral positions.

Principal Investigator: Alexandre Cooper-Roy 

Project: Quantum simulation with Rydberg atom arrays (theory)

Research Area: Atomic, molecular, and optical physics (AMO), quantum control, quantum simulation

Relevant Fields: Quantum information science, quantum many-body physics, spin dynamics, quantum simulation, quantum optimal control, quantum optics, atomic physics.

Required Skills:

• PhD in a field of research related to experimental quantum physics
• Broad background and strong analytical skills in quantum physics and applied mathematics, including familiarity with exact and approximate methods to solve for and control the time-evolution of quantum many-body systems, e.g., average Hamiltonian theory, Floquet theory.
• Demonstrated skills in simulating the properties and non-equilibrium dynamics of quantum many-body systems using realistic physical parameters, e.g., exact diagonalization, Krylov subspace methods, quantum Monte-Carlo, tensor network methods.
• Demonstrated programming skills using relevant languages, e.g., C/C++, Python, Matlab, Julia, and familiarity with relevant packages, e.g., QuTiP, ITensor.

Role: The postdoctoral researcher in theoretical quantum physics will identify, formulate, and validate protocols to simulate quantum many-body systems and help to realize them experimentally on our quantum simulator. We are especially interested in simulating quantum many-body models relevant to materials science and condensed matter physics. We are also interested in developing characterization and validation protocols that exploit quantum optimal control and closed-loop quantum-classical co-simulation techniques.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in connecting theory with experiments, demonstrated skills in analytical and numerical computation, and a broad expertise in fields such as atomic physics, quantum optics, quantum optimal control, spin dynamics, quantum many-body physics, and condensed matter physics. Their strong interpersonal and communication skills will support establishing productive collaborations with local and international partners, as well as effectively mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Number of Openings: 1

About us: The Quantum Simulation Group in the Transformative Quantum Technologies Program at the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo in Canada was established in September 2019 to accelerate the development of novel quantum materials by harnessing the power of quantum simulators. Our first-generation quantum simulation exploits configurations of neutral atoms (rubidium-87) in programmable arrays of optical traps to simulate quantum many-body models in synthetic two-dimensional materials. The group of 8-10 undergraduate and graduate students is led by Dr. Alexandre Cooper-Roy and advised by Dr. Jim Shaffer and Prof. David Cory.

If you are interested in learning more about our research activities and/or applying to the position, please reach out directly to Alexandre Cooper-Roy at alexandre.cooper@uwaterloo.ca.

The appointment is for two years with the possibility of renewal upon satisfactory performance. The salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The Principal Investigators are especially interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

These PDF positions are made possible thanks in part to funding from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

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The University of Waterloo regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. As such, we encourage applications from women, Indigenous Persons (First Nations, Metis and Inuit), persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual and gender identities/expressions, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. At Waterloo, you will have the opportunity to work across disciplines and collaborate with an international community of scholars and a diverse student body, situated in a rapidly growing community that has been termed a “hub of innovation.” All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.