Postdoctoral Fellow Position in Standoff Quantum Sensing
The University of Alberta invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position in the field of optical instrumentation and laser physics, with a specific focus on airborne standoff quantum sensing. This full-time, on-site position is based at the University of Alberta's main campus in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Physics.
The successful candidate will join the Laser Science Lab, led by Professor Gil Porat, which is engaged in cutting-edge experimental research to develop novel laser systems for advanced quantum sensing and metrology. The group is involved in projects such as magnetic quantum sensing and portable optical atomic clocks, and collaborates with academic and government researchers across Canada and internationally. The lab is also a member of the Advanced QUAntum applications via complex states in integrated and meta optics (AQUA) consortium, which includes industry, academic, and non-profit partners, providing a rich environment for collaboration and professional development.
This postdoctoral position is funded by the NSERC Alliance Quantum program and centers on an ongoing research project that integrates nonlinear optics, laser spectroscopy, remote sensing, and photon number resolving detection. The project is conducted in partnership with Synergy Aviation Ltd. and the National Research Council Canada. The research involves combining advanced spectroscopic techniques with upconversion detection of mid-infrared light and threshold quantum photon number resolving detection, aiming to achieve quantum advantage in signal-to-noise ratio for few-photon laser detection in the presence of thermal background. The developed sensing system will be integrated into an airborne payload and tested in flight.
Under the supervision of Prof. Porat, the postdoctoral fellow will mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers, contribute to the design and experimental characterization of optical systems (including launching and collecting laser light, nonlinear frequency conversion, laser spectroscopy, photon number resolving detection, and signal processing), and participate in the integration and in-flight testing of the sensing system. Responsibilities also include synthesizing modeling and experimental data, analyzing results, and drafting high-quality manuscripts for publication. The position offers opportunities to present research findings at conferences and symposia, and to collaborate with both internal and external partners.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with a strong background in optical and laser science, experimental methods, and data analysis. Experience with optical design and analysis (theory, coding, commercial ray tracing software), data acquisition systems, and laser spectroscopy is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team, mentor junior researchers, and communicate effectively in English. 1-4 years of relevant research experience is expected.
The position is fully funded through the NSERC Alliance Quantum program. The starting date is flexible, and the research environment offers ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. For more information about the research group, visit
the Laser Science Lab website
. For details about the industry partner, see
Synergy Aviation Ltd.
To apply, email Prof. Gil Porat at
gporat@ualberta.ca
with your CV or resume and a cover letter or research statement. For further inquiries, contact Prof. Porat directly.