Quantum Scientist - Experimental Photonics (Integrated Photonics Unit)

About the role

{"id":1111125,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Job Description","value":"## About OptQC\nOptQC is a deep-tech startup spun out of the University of Tokyo, founded with the mission of achieving the social implementation and commercialization of \"optical quantum computers.\"\nWhile multiple modalities exist in the quantum computing landscape, we focus on the optical quantum approach. We are confident that this method is the most suitable for practical application and widespread adoption due to its inherent scalability and seamless integration with optical communications. Through continuous research and development, we aim to balance energy efficiency with high computing power, overcome the limits of human information processing, and contribute to a sustainable society.\n\n## Background\nTo push the boundaries of optical quantum computing, our team leverages integrated photonics to miniaturize optical circuits, achieve unprecedented phase stability, and accelerate light detection and modulation.\nBy harnessing enhanced light-matter interactions and efficient custom nonlinear optical processes, the Integrated Photonics unit explores next-generation photonic platforms to power our quantum architecture.\n\n## Key Responsibilities\nIn this role, you will design, build, and run the optical experiments that develop and validate the photonic building blocks of our optical quantum computer, from integrated nonlinear light sources to precision optical control systems.\nYour core focus will be the experimental side of the PIC lifecycle: characterizing fabricated chips, operating nonlinear and quantum optics experiments, and comparing results against simulations and analytical models to guide the next design iteration.\n- Nonlinear \u0026 Quantum Light Sources: Build and upgrade experiments that generate and measure squeezed light and photon pairs from integrated χ(2) and χ(3) devices, such as thin-film lithium niobate waveguides and microring resonators.\n- Ultrafast Optics \u0026 Pulse Shaping: Develop and characterize short-pulse sources and pulse-shaping systems (amplitude/IQ modulators, arbitrary waveform generators, dispersion management) to meet target temporal profiles and power levels.\n- Locking \u0026 Stabilization: Implement laser and cavity locking (e.g., Pound-Drever-Hall, dither locking), optical phase-locked loops, and frequency/phase stabilization, including for frequency-comb sources.\n- Chip Characterization: Build and operate table-top test setups for both bare-die and packaged PICs, and characterize chips with thermo-optic and electro-optic elements under continuous-wave and pulsed excitation (loss, coupling efficiency, resonance, nonlinear and electro-optic response), benchmarking the results against simulations and models.\n- Integration \u0026 Documentation: Work with design, RF, electrical, mechanical, and software colleagues, and produce design specifications, test procedures, and characterization reports.\n\n## The Role \u0026 Impact\nAs a research-driven team, the Integrated Photonics unit offers an environment rich with creative freedom and technical versatility.\nYou will work hands-on with custom photonic chips taped out by our team, turning new device designs into measured, working hardware in our in-house lab.\nYour experiments determine the performance of the quantum light sources and optical control at the core of our architecture, and your results feed directly into the next generation of designs on both mature and emerging material platforms.","selected":true},{"id":1111126,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Required Qualifications","value":"- Degree: Master’s or Ph.D. in one of the following fields:\n - AMO physics or quantum optics\n - Photonics or nonlinear optics\n - Electrical engineering, or a related field\n- Strong experimental background in table-top testing of photonic integrated circuits, both bare-die and packaged: fiber-to-chip coupling on precision alignment stages (edge/grating couplers, lensed fibers, fiber arrays) as well as fiber-pigtailed modules, with on-chip thermal/electrical control via probes, wire bonds, or packaged RF/DC connectors and temperature-controlled mounts.\n- Hands-on experience with nonlinear optical processes in χ(2) and/or χ(3) systems (e.g., SHG, SPDC, OPA/OPO, four-wave mixing, Kerr effects).\n- Experience with ultrafast (short-pulse) lasers, including pulse characterization (e.g., autocorrelation, FROG, optical spectrum analysis), pulse shaping, and dispersion management.\n- Experience with optical frequency combs, such as mode-locked laser, electro-optic, or microresonator (Kerr/soliton) combs.\n- Experience with laser and resonator locking (e.g., Pound-Drever-Hall, dither locking) and optical phase-locked loops.\n- Proficiency with opto-electronic and RF laboratory instrumentation, such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, photodetectors, and electro-optic modulators.\n- Programming skills in Python (or MATLAB) for instrument control, data acquisition, and analysis, with experience using version control.\n- Ability to build analytical and numerical models of physical systems and compare them against experimental data.\n- 3+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in optics or photonics (including research during Master’s/Ph.D. programs).\n- Project Execution: Ability to independently design complex experiments, lead R\u0026D tasks, and communicate measurement-derived insights clearly to the wider team.","selected":true},{"id":1111127,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Preferred Qualifications","value":"- Experience generating and measuring squeezed light or photon pairs, including homodyne/heterodyne detection and shot-noise-limited measurements.\n- Experience with integrated photonics platforms (e.g., Si, SiN, thin-film LN/LNOI, III-V, or hybrid systems) and PIC testing.\n- Experience with microring resonators, soliton microcombs, or periodically poled waveguides.\n- Expertise in laser noise characterization (phase/frequency noise, RIN).\n- Experience in an industry or national lab setting, or in transferring R\u0026D prototypes to manufacturing.\n- Experience writing scientific papers as a first author.\n- Knowledge of continuous-variable (CV) quantum computing.","selected":true},{"id":1111128,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Ideal Candidate Profile","value":"- Individuals who understand hardware from first principles and enjoy making difficult experiments work.\n- Individuals who possess deep expertise in their own field while maintaining a strong motivation to take on diverse challenges.\n- Individuals who are eager to co-create new value with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and organizations.","selected":true},{"id":1111129,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Salary","value":"13 million JPY or more (Determined based on experience and skills)","selected":true},{"id":1111130,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Location","value":["15th Floor, IT tower TOKYO, 3-28-13 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan"],"selected":true},{"id":1111131,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Employment Type","value":"Full-time","selected":true},{"id":1111132,"type":"requisition_detail","name":"Hiring Process","value":"- Document Screening *Please submit a publication list\n- Interview (2–3 rounds) *Includes a research / work presentation\n- Offer Meeting\n\n[Additional Information]\n- Interviews are generally conducted online; however, candidates will be required to visit our office at least once.\n - Please consult with us if this is difficult for you.\n - Transportation expenses will be reimbursed for candidates traveling from distant locations (subject to company regulations).\n- Reference checks may be requested during the selection process.\n- The selection process and the number of interview rounds are subject to change.","selected":true}

Source: OptQC's careers page via Html. Read by TQI on 1 Nov 2026.