Description
Postdoctoral Scholar position
Area: Photonic quantum information processing
Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension up to 4 years (based on yearly reviews)
Start date: On or before January 2, 2026
Salary: $65,000 CAD per year plus employer benefits premiums, with additional $5,000 CAD research/travel allowance
The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Photonic quantum information processing
The position is part of a pioneering, international, dual-lab initiative including UCalgary and the Raman Research Institute in India, creating a platform of collaboration and exchange for advancing quantum communication, integrated photonic quantum computing, quantum sensing, precision tests of quantum mechanics, and the development of novel quantum-optical interfaces.
Job Description:
Under her Canada Excellence Research Chair in photonic quantum science and technologies, Dr. Urbasi Sinha is setting up a state-of-the-art quantum optics lab that will work on different aspects of quantum technologies using photons. It will emphasize strong synergy between application-driven research, which addresses immediate needs, and foundational research, which enables the technologies of the future.
As a part of this initiative, the successful candidate will develop and conduct linear optics-based quantum information and quantum computing experiments using photons. They will receive a $5,000 CAD research and travel allowance to support such requirements, subject to approval by the Principal Investigator.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, documentation, and implementation of advanced optical experiments in linear optical quantum information processing (LOQI), with an emphasis on transitioning from bulk optics to integrated photonics platforms.
- Operation and optimization of single- and entangled-photon sources (SPDC, quantum dots, NV/SiV centres), including cryogenics when required.
- Development and calibration of quantum measurement systems (single-photon detection, coincidence counting, tomography, quantum gate implementation).
- Mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
- Collaboration with cleanroom facilities for the design and fabrication of integrated photonic devices relevant to LOQI.
- Coordination with national and international project partners, including periodic travel for joint experiments and reviews.
- Preparation of manuscripts and presentations for submission to high-impact journals and conferences.
- Regular progress reporting to internal and external stakeholders, including documentation for project deliverables.
- Active participation in lab safety, maintenance, and best-practice development for optical and cryogenic systems.
- Contribution to the strategic growth of the research programme, by identifying opportunities for new experiments, funding, and collaborations.
Qualifications:
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise in experimental quantum science or engineering. A strong interest in interdisciplinary research and innovation should be clearly expressed in the application.
Essential
- Hands-on experience with single- and entangled-photon generation using SPDC, quantum dots, and/or NV/SiV centres.
- Strong background in linear optical quantum information (LOQI) experiments: interference, polarization control, multi-photon setups.
- Proficiency in single-photon detection and measurement techniques (APDs, SNSPDs, TCSPC, tomography).
- Expertise in quantum information protocols with photonic qubits/qudits (QKD, teleportation, entanglement swapping, quantum imaging).
- Ability to design, align, and calibrate complex optical setups independently.
- Strong programming skills for data acquisition, control, and analysis (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB).
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to present results clearly.
- Flexibility to travel nationally and internationally for experiments and collaborations.
Desirable
- Experience with integrated photonic circuits for quantum optics (e.g., silicon nitride, lithium niobate platforms).
- Practical experience with cryogenics (e.g., closed-cycle cryostats) for quantum dot/colour-centre sources.
- Familiarity with advanced cryogenic platforms (e.g., dilution refrigerators, hybrid integration).
- Knowledge of nanofabrication workflows and collaboration with photonic foundries.
- Experience with quantum memories or hybrid quantum network demonstrations.
- Familiarity with quantum gates, algorithms, and measurement-based photonic quantum computing.
- Familiarity with quantum optics simulation frameworks (QuTiP, Strawberry Fields, etc.).
- Track record of mentoring/teaching students or junior researchers.
Strong publication record in leading journals and presentations at major conferences in addition to technical excellence, creativity, adaptability, and enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, multicultural environment are required. Prior experience in taking solutions from lab to market a plus.
Application details:
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Please email your application as a single .pdf document to [email protected] with the subject line "Photonic Quantum Information Postdoc Application".
All applications must include:
- A cover letter including date of availability, suitability and motivation for the role, with a brief summary of past, current, and future research interests and accomplishments;
- A current curriculum vitae (CV);
- Official or unofficial copy of diploma(s)/university certificate(s);
- Copy of two recent, peer-reviewed journal/chapter publications or conference presentations, and;
- The name and contact information, including email addresses, for at least two (2) referees who have knowledge of your research and academic experience.
We strive for a diverse and inclusive environment and encourage applications from members of any identity.
The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement.
To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website. A summary of the postdoctoral group benefit plans is located on the Benefits at a Glance document. The value of benefits represents roughly 12-14% of the salary. There is no waiting period. Coverage is effective from the date of appointment and includes:
- Extended Health
- Dental
- Long Term Disability ("LTD")
- Basic Employee Life Insurance
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment ("AD&D")
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
For a detailed overview of the benefits paid by the University of Calgary, please visit the Benefits page.
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.
Quantum at the University of Calgary: Igniting Discovery and Innovation
The University of Calgary is at the forefront of a quantum revolution. Its rapidly expanding Quantum program spans the entire research pipeline from unlocking the mysteries of fundamental science to pioneering cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping our world. UCalgary's quantum research is not just advancing knowledge; it is redefining how we understand the universe and sparking transformative innovation.
At the heart of this momentum is the prestigious Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, a global leader in quantum research. The university is also home to the bold and visionary Quantum City initiative, a hub for collaboration and commercialization. UCalgary plays a key role in the Quantum Horizons Alberta partnership and the Quantum Alberta network, driving provincial and national leadership in the field.
A new milestone: our first Quantum Canada Excellence Research Chair, bringing world-class leadership and resources to the program, in whose team you will be.
Whether you are a postdoc seeking mentorship and impact, or a researcher looking to lead ground-breaking projects, this is a great place to grow your career.
Explore the future of quantum at research.ucalgary.ca/quantum.
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada's leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation's most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada's top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
Additional information
The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement.
To find out more about the postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America. The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).
