Location: Jena

Technical Project Manager* in Photonic Quantum Technology

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world's leading applied research organization. Around 30,000 employees work with an annual research budget of 2.9 billion euros.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) in Jena conducts applied research in optical system technology on behalf of the industry and as part of publicly funded joint projects. The range of services offered by the Fraunhofer IOF includes system solutions, starting with new design concepts, through the development of technologies, manufacturing and measuring methods to the construction of prototypes and pilot series for applications in the wavelength range from millimeter to nanometer.

The Fraunhofer IOF is also pioneering in applied optical quantum technology research and offers innovative solutions for science and industry wherever quantum systems have the potential for revolutionary applications.

For the Department of Emerging Technologies, we are seeking highly motivated Postdoc candidates to join the »Quantum Communication Technologies« group. Research in the group focuses on applied quantum technologies – from methods for manipulating and transmitting quantum states of light, to system-level applications in quantum communication and photonic quantum information processing. Our goal is to transfer quantum technologies from the laboratory to practical applications in quantum communication and information processing.

What you will do We are seeking a Technical Project Manager* with a background in Experimental Physics, Optical Communications, or Quantum Science to support our team in research projects related to:

• Photonic Quantum Simulation and Quantum Computing
• Quantum key distribution systems for fiber networks and/or free-space links
• Entangled photon generation and quantum state engineering
• Development of field-ready quantum hardware

Your immediate responsibilities could include the following:

• Management of photonic quantum technology research projects
• Design, communicate, and implement the project; monitor the progress and performance; take action to resolve operational problems and minimize delays
• Identify, develop, and gather the resources necessary to complete the project
• Assure the coordination of requirements with R&D and external/internal partners
• Create / control / monitor project scope and ensure project deliveries
• Coach and mentor project staff and assist them to solve problems
• Facilitating application-oriented research in quantum technology
• Coordination and initiation of collaborative research projects

Fraunhofer IOF is pioneering in applied quantum optics research and offers innovative solutions for science and industry wherever quantum systems have the potential for revolutionary applications. Research topics range from enabling photonic technologies to development of complete quantum communication, quantum imaging, and photonic quantum information processing systems.

Fraunhofer IOF provides access to the entire photonics process chain from basic research in nonlinear optics and advanced fiber technology to nanofabrication, micro-assembly and systems integration.

Successful candidates will thus have research opportunities in quantum information science, technology development, applied photonics, and industry.

For more information, see also:
www.iof.fraunhofer.de/en/competences/quantum-technologies.html

What you bring to the table

• With a PhD (or equivalent) in Physics, Photonics, Laser Technology or a closely related field of research, applicants should have research experience in quantum technology or related research.
• Successful candidates will be enthusiastic to take project responsibility in a team with collaborators in academia and industry.
• Applicants must have excellent communication skills, the ability to keep clear records, to work independently and to coordinate collaborative research activities and field demonstrations.
• An ability to prepare scientific publications and research proposals, and to present results at local, national, and international research meetings and trade shows is expected.
• Applicants are expected to bring or acquire basic knowledge of agile project management (preferably Scrum and/or Kanban). Applicants preferably have a project management certification (preferably CAPM, PMP, or Lean Six Sigma).
• Proficiency in the English language is required.
• Proficiency in the German language is beneficial.

Prior research experience in any of the following fields is highly beneficial:

Photonic technology

• Laser technology, pulse shaping and electro-optic modulation, photonic integration
• Nonlinear optics, optical parametric oscillators, frequency combs

Quantum information processing

• Continuous-variable quantum information processing
• Cluster state quantum computing

Quantum Communication

• Quantum cryptography, quantum random number generation
• Quantum key distribution in fiber networks and/or free-space links

Experimental Quantum optics

• Squeezed light, entangled photon and single-photon generation
• Single-Photon Detection Technology (SSNSPD, TES, SPAD)

What you can expect

• Cooperation in a collegial, open-minded team in a well-equipped work environment
• Personal and professional development opportunities in challenging R&D projects
• Networking with first-class industrial partners and research groups
• Access to state-of-the-art research and engineering infrastructure:
  • Engineering facilities (fiber technology, nanofabrication, ...)
  • Fiber network and a 40-km lab-to-lab fiber link for quantum communication
  • Free-space optics testbed for satellite quantum communications
• Flexible working hours and a family-friendly workplace
• Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. In case of identical qualifications preference will be given to severely disabled candidates.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. The position can also be filled on a part-time base. The position is initially limited to 2 years with the possibility for prolongation.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF
www.iof.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 16761