Quantum Scientist - Experimental Photonics (Integrated Photonics Unit)

Background of the recruitment and description of the project
We are expanding our team to further accelerate the R&D of optical quantum computers toward practical application.

Work content and job description
In 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.
Your 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.

• Nonlinear & 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.
• Ultrafast Optics & 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.
• Locking & 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.
• 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.
• Integration & Documentation: Work with design, RF, electrical, mechanical, and software colleagues, and produce design specifications, test procedures, and characterization reports.

Common to all Job Types
Annual Salary :

10 million yen
~
20 million yen

Work experience
[Required Qualifications]

• 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.
• 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).
• Experience with ultrafast (short-pulse) lasers, including pulse characterization (e.g., autocorrelation, FROG, optical spectrum analysis), pulse shaping, and dispersion management.
• Experience with optical frequency combs, such as mode-locked laser, electro-optic, or microresonator (Kerr/soliton) combs.
• Experience with laser and resonator locking (e.g., Pound-Drever-Hall, dither locking) and optical phase-locked loops.
• Proficiency with opto-electronic and RF laboratory instrumentation, such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, photodetectors, and electro-optic modulators.
• Programming skills in Python (or MATLAB) for instrument control, data acquisition, and analysis, with experience using version control.
• Ability to build analytical and numerical models of physical systems and compare them against experimental data.
• 3+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in optics or photonics (including research during Master’s/Ph.D. programs).
• Project Execution: Ability to independently design complex experiments, lead R&D tasks, and communicate measurement-derived insights clearly to the wider team.

Description
[Preferred Qualifications]

• Experience generating and measuring squeezed light or photon pairs, including homodyne/heterodyne detection and shot-noise-limited measurements.
• Experience with integrated photonics platforms (e.g., Si, SiN, thin-film LN/LNOI, III-V, or hybrid systems) and PIC testing.
• Experience with microring resonators, soliton microcombs, or periodically poled waveguides.
• Expertise in laser noise characterization (phase/frequency noise, RIN).
• Experience in an industry or national lab setting, or in transferring R&D prototypes to manufacturing.
• Experience writing scientific papers as a first author.
• Knowledge of continuous-variable (CV) quantum computing.

Common to all Job Types
Tenured

-

Non-tenure track

Various systems
Transportation expenses :
available (Up to JPY 100,000 per month)

Measures for preventing passive smoking at the workplace
No smoking indoors (Designated smoking room available in the building's common area).

Considerations for conducting interviews (e.g., those who live far away, such as overseas)

• Interviews are generally conducted online; however, candidates will be required to visit our office at least once.
• Please consult with us if this is difficult for you.
• Transportation expenses will be reimbursed for candidates traveling from distant locations (subject to company regulations).
• Reference checks may be requested during the selection process.
• The selection process and the number of interview rounds are subject to change.

Selection
Document Screening → 1st Interview → 2nd Interview → Final Interview → Offer Meeting (Note: The number of interviews may vary.)

Notification of result
We will contact you via email within 14 days of your interview.