Quantum Postdocs and Beyond

Well it seems that it is that time of year again when grad students and postdocs begin to think about job applications. Last year I had the great pleasure of going through the process (yet one more time!) so yes, I feel your pain. But, at least on the postdoc side of equation for quantum computing, things don't look as bad to me as I've seen in the past. I've already posted about Microsoft Station Q postdocs and the Center for Quantum Information and Control postdocs. Here are a few more to add to the mix.

First up is some loon from the University of Washington:

The quantum computing theory group of Dave Bacon at the University of Washington is looking for a postdoc to lead an effort in physically motivated error correction. A strong background in quantum error correction and/or condensed matter theory is recommended. Information on the group's research can be found at http://abstract.cs.washington.edu/~dabacon. Please contact dabacon at cs.washington.edu for information about the application process.

Next up is Perimeter Institute postdocs:

Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is inviting applications for Postdoctoral Research positions. For more information please visit http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/Scientific/Applications/Postdoctoral _Researcher/

After PI comes the adobe tower postdocs at Santa Fe Institute:

The Santa Fe Institute (SFI) will be selectively seeking applications for Omidyar Fellows for 2010, beginning September 1, 2009.

Fellows are appointed for up to three years during which they pursue research questions of their own design and are encouraged to transcend disciplinary lines. SFI's unique structure and resources enable Fellows to collaborate with members of the SFI faculty, other Fellows, and researchers from around the world.

As the leader in multidisciplinary research, SFI has no formal programs or departments and we accept applications from any field. Research topics span the full range of natural and social sciences and often make connections with the humanities. Most research at SFI is theoretical and/or computational in nature, although some research includes an empirical component in collaboration with other institutions.

Descriptions of the research themes and interests of the faculty and current Fellows can be found at http://www.santafe.edu/research.

And last, but not least, a REAL job at Imperial:

Chair in Theoretical Quantum Optics / Quantum Information Science
Quantum Optics and Laser Science Research Group, Department of Physics

South Kensington Campus
Minimum starting salary £66,150 per annum

Applications are invited for a Chair in Theoretical Quantum Optics / Quantum Information Science. The post is available from 1st January 2010 and is based in the Quantum Optics and Laser Science (QOLS) Group of the Department of Physics.

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding Theoretical Physicist with an international reputation for research and innovation in theoretical quantum optics, quantum information science or related subjects. In addition you will have an excellent publications record, an established track record in attracting research funding and proven leadership and management of research teams. You will also be expected to have extensive experience in postgraduate training and undergraduate teaching.

You will hold a good honours degree and a doctorate (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area. You will be expected to take a major part in the management and delivery of the new EPSRC-funded Doctoral Training Centre in Controlled Quantum Dynamics. You will also have the opportunity to play a major role in the Quantum Information Programme at the Institute for Mathematical Sciences at Imperial.

The level of the appointment will be subject to qualifications and experience, but will be at the Imperial College professorial level (minimum salary £66,150 per annum).

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to the Head of the QOLS Research Group, Professor Richard Thompson (TQP: see linked website for contact info)

Our preferred method of application is online via our website http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment (please select "Job Search" then enter the job title or vacancy reference number NS2009140NT) into "Keywords"). Please complete and upload an application form as directed.

Alternatively, if you are unable to apply online or have any queries about the application process please contact Maria Monteiro ( TQP: see linked website for contact info)

Closing Date: 28th October 2009

Categories

More like this

Possibly correlated with that last ad:

PhD & Postdoc Positions available in Quantum Information and Quantum
Optics Theory

The Institute for Theoretical Physics of the University of Ulm, led by Prof. Martin B Plenio (formerly at Imperial College London), is inviting applications for several PhD and Postdocs positions that are available anytime after the 1st October
2009. Areas of research are Quantum Simulators with Trapped Ions, Atoms and Photons,
Quantum effects in Biology, Quantum Many-Body Systems and their Numerical
Description and Entanglement Theory. Information about the present activities of the
group can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/quantuminformation
and future activities (from 1 October 2009) will be described at
http://www.uni-ulm.de/nawi/nawi-theophys.html

Enquiries and appplications should be directed to
martin.plenio@uni-ulm.de

*The advert remains open until suitable candidates have been identified.***

By Dan Browne (not verified) on 28 Sep 2009 #permalink

Sigh. That Santa Fe one sounds nice .. and I fit their criteria perfectly. But without references, I cannot even apply. So much for encouraging women.

Joe, I have worked in physics off and on for decades. I am talented, and a capable researcher. Yet I have NO references to speak of. You cannot tell me that a man could possibly ever find himself in my position.

I don't know, as I haven't heard of such a situation arising before. I guess I could believe that a small subset of people let gender influence their decision to write a reference, and even that these people might be very vocal, but I can't see how that would completely prevent a researcher from getting references.

By the way, I'm not trying to get at you, I am just surprised to hear that this is an area of difficulty. I know that problems exist within physics, I just would have thought that getting references wouldn't have been one of them.

Here is the real problem:

Search arXiv.org
No matches were found for your search: au:Sheppeard_Marni
Please try again.

A person with no publications cannot get a physics job, male or female. This is well known.

By anonymous (not verified) on 01 Oct 2009 #permalink

Dear anonymous. Would you like the phone number of my 2 year old nephew? I'm sure he can teach you how to conduct internet searches.

I have good publications and a PhD from a top school. I'd have trouble getting references if I wanted to re-enter academia. Of course since I'm male I don't exist according to a previous commenter.

Kea, anybody of either sex could end up in your position, if they weren't smart in cultivating references. Good luck.