Group Leader, Quantum Communications and Networking

Requisition Id 6667 

Overview:

The Computational Sciences and Engineering Division (https://www.ornl.gov/division/csed) in the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a senior scientist to lead a world-class research group in Quantum Communications and Networking (QCN) within the Quantum Information Science (QIS) Section. The QIS section includes more than 25 full-time scientists carrying out interdisciplinary, collaborative research in fundamental and applied quantum computing, communications, and sensing. With substantial institutional investments in equipment and facilities, as well as recent and expected increases in federal funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal agencies, the QCN group is positioned to experience rapid growth. Building on this solid foundation, the successful candidate will develop capabilities in the group to address key quantum communications and networking research, from foundational principles to device engineering, fabrication, and implementation. In addition, the candidate will oversee the group’s science agenda, will lead the effort to respond to new funding opportunities, and will guide the ongoing growth and development of the research staff that will carry out that agenda. The group carries out research in both continuous variable and discrete variable quantum information science. Further, the group contains extensive expertise and experience in quantum entanglement.  With these capabilities, the group has been successful in capitalizing on recent strong public interest in quantum information science. A successful group leader will build upon this foundation to cement the group’s and the larger section’s status as world-class research organizations as the group develops quantum memory, transduction and ultimately quantum repeaters.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

The major duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee high quality research in areas related to quantum communications and networking.
• Collaborate with scientists in the Physics Division, Computational Sciences and Engineering Division, and other organizations at the laboratory to provide a unified vision and execution plan for experimental quantum sensing and computing networks
• Collaborate with scientists outside of the laboratory to advance the scientific mission of the group, laboratory, the Department of Energy and other sponsors.
• Mentor early career research staff, postdocs, and students
• Interact with the appropriate program offices and other agencies to develop and maintain program funding for basic and applied research in relevant areas.
• Develop new research directions as a basis of continued funding and the overall health of the group.
• Represent group-level work to review committees and outside bodies as appropriate.
• Manage staff within the group, including the selection and retention of highly qualified staff; the development of staff capabilities; and ensuring that staff members are effectively utilized, rewarded, and motivated.
• Write peer-reviewed papers, technical reports, and proposals for internal and external release and represent the organization by giving technical presentations in large public forums.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in a field of study related to quantum information science, such as physics, optics, computer science, or electrical engineering with a demonstrated understanding of the tasks associated with experimental physics research.
• A minimum of 6 years related experience. The group leader’s expertise should complement and reinforce areas already represented in the QIS section (see https://www.ornl.gov/division/csed/quantum-information).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years of experience in program management and/or research management at a large research institution, or government entity.
• Experience with building and operating quantum communications and networking experiments based on continuous and discrete variable optical encodings
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with senior levels of client management and others involved in technical endeavors.
• Demonstrated ability to write research plans and proposals and to project a vision for future research relevant to quantum information science.
• A successful record of developing research partnerships and collaborative relationships with universities, industry, and research laboratories.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently, outstanding written and oral communication skills, good organizational skills.
• Ability to obtain a Department of Energy security clearance.

Export Control Requirement: 

• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

ORNL Ethics and Conduct:

• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here:  https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity

Benefits at ORNL:  

• UT Battelle offers an exceptional benefits package to include matching 401K, Pension Plan, Paid Vacation and Medical / Dental plan. Onsite amenities include Credit Union, Medical Clinic and free Fitness facilities.   

Relocation:  

• Moving is stressful and expensive, and UT Battelle offers a wide range of relocation benefits for individuals and families to make it easier to come and work here. If you are invited to interview, please ask your Recruiter about relocating with ORNL. 

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.