#278 Quantum Scientist – Experimental Photonics (Integrated Photonics)

Company Overview

The company aims to bring quantum computing into practical, real-world use.

By realizing quantum computing, they seek to balance energy efficiency with high computational power, overcome the limits of information processing facing humanity, and contribute to the creation of a sustainable society.

They are a pioneering leader in the global quantum computing market, driven by proprietary optical quantum technology that enables room-temperature operation and excellent scalability. A diverse team of highly skilled professionals from various backgrounds and fields collaborates daily, transcending borders and disciplinary boundaries.

They welcome ambitious individuals who want to create world-changing “next-generation technology” firsthand and make a genuine impact on the global market.

The company is also well-capitalized, having raised a total of 7 billion yen in funding.

Key Responsibilities

In this position, you will be responsible for the design, setup, and operation of optical experiments focused on developing and validating the photonic components that form the foundation of our optical quantum computer—ranging from integrated nonlinear light sources to precision optical control systems. A core aspect of this role involves the experimental phase of the Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) lifecycle: characterizing prototype chips, conducting nonlinear and quantum optics experiments, and comparing experimental results against simulations and analytical models to drive feedback for next-generation designs.

● Nonlinear & Quantum Light Sources: Building and upgrading experimental setups to generate and measure squeezed light and photon pairs using integrated χ(2) and χ(3) devices, such as thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) waveguides and microring resonators.
● Ultrafast Optics & Pulse Shaping: Developing and characterizing ultrafast light sources and pulse-shaping systems—including amplitude/IQ modulators, arbitrary waveform generators, and dispersion management—to achieve target temporal profiles and power levels.
● Laser Synchronization & Stabilization: Implementing systems for laser/resonator synchronization (e.g., Pound-Drever-Hall (PDH) or dither-locking), optical phase-locked loops (OPLL), and frequency/phase stabilization, including the use of frequency comb sources.
● Chip Characterization: Constructing and operating benchtop evaluation systems for both bare-die and packaged PICs. This includes characterizing chips equipped with thermo-optic or electro-optic elements—under both continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed excitation—to assess parameters such as loss, coupling efficiency, resonance, and nonlinear/electro-optic responses, followed by benchmarking these results against simulations and models.
● Cross-functional Collaboration & Documentation: Collaborating with design, RF, electrical, mechanical, and software teams to develop design specifications, test procedures, and evaluation reports.

Requirements

・Degree: Master’s or Ph.D. degree in one of the following fields:
└ AMO (Atomic, Molecular, and Optical) physics or quantum optics
└ Optics or nonlinear optics
└ Electrical engineering or a related field
・English proficiency: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other researchers and quantum computing experts.
・Experimental skills:
└ Extensive hands-on experience in the benchtop evaluation and testing of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), both as bare dies and in packaged form.
└ Expertise in fiber-to-chip coupling (using edge/grating couplers, lensed fibers, or fiber arrays) and the evaluation of fiber-pigtailed modules. Knowledge of on-chip thermal and electrical control via probes, wire bonding, or packaged RF/DC connectors and temperature-controlled mounts.
・Nonlinear optics: Practical experience with nonlinear optical processes in χ(2) and χ(3) systems (e.g., SHG, SPDC, OPA/OPO, four-wave mixing, Kerr effect).
・Ultrashort pulses: Practical experience with ultrashort-pulse lasers, including pulse characterization (autocorrelation, FROG, optical spectrum analyzers, etc.), pulse shaping, and dispersion management.
・Optical frequency combs: Experience with optical frequency combs, such as mode-locked lasers, electro-optic (EO) combs, or microresonator (Kerr/soliton) combs.
・Synchronization and control: Experience with the synchronization of lasers and resonators (e.g., PDH locking, dither locking) and optical phase-locked loops (OPLL).
・Operation of measurement instruments: Proficiency in operating optoelectronic and RF measurement equipment, 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; experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
・Model Building: Ability to develop analytical or numerical models of physical systems and validate them against experimental data.
・Laboratory Experience: At least 3 years of practical/experimental experience in the field of optics or photonics (including research conducted during Master’s or Ph.D. programs).
・Project Execution: Ability to independently design complex experiments, lead R&D tasks, and clearly communicate insights gained from measurements to the rest of the team.

・Japanese language proficiency: Not required.

Preferred Requirements

・Experience in writing research papers as the first author
・Japanese language proficiency at a conversational level
・Experience in the generation and measurement of squeezed light or photon pairs, including homodyne/heterodyne detection and shot-noise-limit measurements
・Experience with integrated photonics platforms (e.g., Si, SiN, thin-film LN/LNOI, III-V materials, or hybrid systems) and the evaluation of photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
・Experience with microring resonators, soliton microcombs, or periodically poled waveguides (such as PPLN)
・Expertise in the characterization of laser noise properties (phase/frequency noise, RIN)
・Professional experience in a corporate or public research institution (such as a national laboratory), or experience in transitioning R&D prototypes to the production stage
・Knowledge of continuous-variable (CV) optical quantum computing

Terms and Conditions

• Annual Salary: 13 million JPY or higher (determined based on experience and skills)

• Bonus: None

• Salary Increase: Once a year

• Probation Period: 3 months

• Location: Tokyo

• Social Insurance: Fully covered

• Working Hours: Flextime (Core time: 13:00–16:00)

• Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays

• Average Overtime: Discretionary labor system

• Smoking Cessation Measures: Non-smoking indoors

Selection Process

• Selection Flow: Three interviews ( basically in-person）.

• Required Documents: Resume, CV (work history) , List of Publications

• Interview Language: Japanese or English