"Postdoctoral Research Scientist"

Posted: 29-Jan-26

Location: New York, New York

Categories: Academic/Faculty

Internal Number: 180101

The Department of Physics at Columbia University invites applications for a position in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics at the rank of postdoctoral research scientist.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Zhenjie Yan and is expected to play a leading role in the development of a new ultracold neutral-atom quantum processor. In this experimental apparatus, quantum information will be stored in both the motional and internal degrees of freedom of atoms cooled to near absolute zero temperature. Efficient measurement-based feedback and long-range interactions will be enabled by coupling the atoms to a high-finesse optical cavity. The group aims to pioneer resource-efficient, noise-resilient approaches to quantum computation and simulation, including fermionic quantum processing, quantum error correction, long-range multi-qubit gates, and the use of destructive interference to suppress loss processes.

The successful candidate will design and construct the laser systems, control electronics, and vacuum hardware that constitute the ultracold-atom experimental apparatus, and design and implement quantum simulation and computing protocols on the platform.

Prof. Zhenjie Yan is also interested in exploring near-term applications on commercially available quantum platforms. Example directions include Rydberg-atom interactions and collective decay, quantum many-body dynamics, and implementing fault-tolerant quantum algorithms on neutral-atom processors. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to these efforts.

A Ph.D. in physics or a related field at the time of appointment is required. Candidates with a strong background in experimental AMO physics research will be given priority. Strong candidates with related but different expertise will also be considered.

All applications must be made through Columbia University’s online Academic Search and Recruitment System (ASR). Please upload the following required materials: a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and experience (3 page maximum), two letters of recommendation.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until position is filled. All inquiries should be directed to zhenjie.yan@Columbia.edu.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran