Cold Atom Scientist
Job ID: 5986
In support of the Air Force Research Laboratory Quantum Sensing and Timing (QST) group, SDL is seeking to increase our team size. SDL and AFRL focus their efforts on building inertial measurement devices, atomic clocks, and other photonics-based quantum sensors. Laboratory activities involve laser cooling of atomic gases, optical tweezers, frequency combs, optical communication, and frequency metrology.
At the Space Dynamics Laboratory, we take pride in and highly value our employees. We are seeking a new team member who is interested in a role that has elements of both scientific research and engineering in the field of ultracold atomic physics applied to sensing, especially accelerometry. Our interdisciplinary group is experiencing growth, and we are seeking an applicant whose skill set both overlaps and complements that of the group.
SDL offers competitive salaries and fantastic benefits, including:
- A 14.2% employer retirement contribution into a 401(a) account—no matching required!
- Generous paid leisure and sick leave
- High-quality, low-cost health, dental, and life insurance
- A great team that works together to solve some of the most fascinating problems on (and off) our planet
- Relocation assistance available for most positions
- Competitive salary – commensurate with experience, but within the range $80-130k.
Our goal is to use cold and ultracold atomic systems as sensors for navigation and timing. This position is focused especially on the navigation aspect, though it will be necessary to consider interfaces between a variety of devices. Our work aims at the development of new techniques amenable to compact devices, as well as efforts toward miniaturization of existing hardware. That’s where you come in—you will build, fine-tune, and operate a variety of cold atom devices to advance their usefulness both inside and outside the lab.
A successful applicant will participate in and contribute to on-going research programs within the group. It will be necessary to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance to hold this position, but the research itself is not classified, providing ample opportunities for publications, presentations, and other interactions with the scientific community.
As a research-based team, most of the members have a PhD, though it’s not a requirement. What is a requirement is a relentless curiosity for how things work and the ability to “get things done” regardless of obstacles that will inevitably occur. The lab itself is outfitted with state-of-the-art instrumentation to facilitate rapid and wide-ranging experimentation.
This position is in support of Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate, and as such requires the ability to acquire and maintain and DoD security clearance. The work location will be onsite at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM.
Please provide a resume/CV and a cover letter detailing what caught your attention about this job posting and what technical contributions you might bring to the team.
Required Qualifications:
- MS or higher degree in physics or a closely-related science/engineering field
- Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance
- Proof of Covid-19 vaccination upon date of hire
- At least one year of laboratory experimental research experience in cold-atom physics
Preferred Qualifications:
- A PhD in physics or a closely-related science/engineering field
- Experience with laser cooling of atoms/molecules and/or Bose Einstein Condensates
- Experience with lasers, ultra-high vacuum chambers, and electronics related to cold atom experimentation (e.g. oscilloscopes, function generators, current supplies, etc.)
- Demonstrated proficiency at a high level in laboratory work
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present challenging scientific topics to specialists and lay audiences
- Ability to create well-written technical reports and proposals
- Ability to work well in teams and adaptability to changes in team organization
- Highly creative and curious in a laboratory environment
- Experience with basic mechanical design of simple parts
- Familiarity with basic electronics and their design and construction (diagrams, soldering, etc.)
- Familiarity with Python, C++, and/or Linux with a willingness to learn and write code that can interface with systems using it
Instructions to Applicants:
In addition to completing the online application, please attach:
1. Cover Letter. This is an important aspect for our hiring team as it helps us evaluate your written communication skills and helps us get to know you!
At the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), we support a variety of missions, including NASA's vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you've heard of, and others that you haven't. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
EOE including Disability and Vet