Postdoctoral Fellowship in Experimental Quantum Metrology and Atomic Physics

The Department of Physics at the University of Toronto invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship to help launch Quantum Clockworks, a new experimental program in precision timekeeping, quantum sensing, and optical frequency metrology. The project is jointly supervised by faculty members Boris Braverman, Aephraim Steinberg, Joseph Thywissen, and Amar Vutha.

Quantum Clockworks will establish a cutting-edge quantum clock and optical frequency comb laboratory at the University of Toronto, enhancing precision timekeeping quantum science and metrology. Atomic clocks underpin international time and frequency standards, are deployed in numerous technologies, and enable new approaches to quantum sensing, spectroscopy, and fundamental physics. The project will develop next-generation optical clocks and a shared optical-frequency infrastructure.

The successful candidate will play a central role in bringing the new laboratory online. The primary responsibilities will include

• refining the design of the lattice clock apparatus, including optical, mechanical, vacuum, and cryogenic systems;

• procuring components and assembling the clock apparatus; 

• procuring, installing, and commissioning a commercial optical frequency comb; 

• establishing frequency links between several laboratories in the Department of Physics using the frequency-comb infrastructure;

• developing and commissioning experimental systems for precision optical-frequency measurements.

• working collaboratively with the four supervising faculty members, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and technical staff; and

• contributing to new scientific directions enabled by the facility and disseminating results through publications and conference presentations.

The optical frequency comb will provide critical infrastructure for the project, linking optical clock frequencies to electronically measurable timescales and enabling comparisons between clocks and dissemination of optical frequency references. The broader program will explore innovative approaches to reducing systematic errors in optical clocks, including cryogenic operation and atomic interactions.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a PhD in physics, with a strong experimental background. Experience with several of the following is desirable: 

• trapped atoms or atomic beam experiments;

• laser systems and frequency stabilization;

• ultra-high-vacuum systems; 

• optical frequency combs; 

• cryogenic systems; and/or

• general experimental control, electronics, and scientific programming.

Candidates should have strong experimental skills, scientific initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment. 

The position offers a salary of $70,000 to $75,000 CAD per year (depending on experience) plus benefits, with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027. The appointment provides an opportunity to take a leading role in establishing a new experimental facility and to contribute to a long-term research program in quantum clocks and precision measurement at the University of Toronto. 

Application

Applicants should submit a CV, contact information for three references, and a brief statement of research interests and relevant experimental experience to joseph.thywissen@utoronto.ca .