Technical Research Scientist

Union/Affiliation: Administrative and Professional Staff (APSA)
Pay range: $92,654 to $110,544 SFU Department Descr: Research Operations / Operations Hub
Position Grade: 11
# of openings: 2
Biweekly Hours: 72

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

In support of the Jennewein and Higginbottom Laboratories at Simon Fraser University (SFU), we are seeking 2 highly skilled Technical Research Scientists to support the development, deployment, and operation of the Vancouver Quantum Network (QVan) — a metropolitan-scale quantum communications testbed connecting research, industry, and government partners across British Columbia.

QVan will establish a dual use demonstration platform integrating fibre based and satellite enabled quantum communication technologies to validate quantum secure communications, quantum key distribution (QKD), distributed quantum computing, and quantum sensing. This position will be central to designing, integrating, and validating network hardware, coordinating multi partner activities, and advancing SFU’s leadership in national quantum networking infrastructure.

About the Role

On behalf of the Jennewein and Higginbottom Laboratories at Simon Fraser University (SFU) , Research Operations is seeking highly skilled Technical Research Scientists to support the development, deployment, and operation of the Vancouver Quantum Network (QVan) — a metropolitan-scale quantum communications testbed connecting research, industry, and government partners across British Columbia.

QVan will establish a dual‑use demonstration platform integrating fibre‑based and satellite‑enabled quantum communication technologies to validate quantum‑secure communications, quantum key distribution (QKD), distributed quantum computing, and quantum sensing. This position will be central to designing, integrating, and validating network hardware, coordinating multi‑partner activities, and advancing SFU’s leadership in national quantum networking infrastructure.

This role is intended for a postdoctoral‑level researcher or industry‑experienced engineer, ideally with strong hands-on expertise in quantum optics, telecom systems, and/or experimental quantum networking.

Required Qualifications

PhD in Physics, Engineering, Quantum Information, Photonics, Optical Telecommunications, or a closely related field
Demonstrated hands-on experience in at least one of the following:

• Quantum optics or entangled-photon/quantum light sources
• QKD or quantum communication systems
• Strong experimental skills and experience working in advanced laboratory environments.
• Proficiency in data acquisition, analysis, and automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB).

• Excellent communication, documentation, and collaboration abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Postdoctoral experience or 2+ years in a relevant telecommunications or quantum-technology industry role

• Experience working with external industry, government, or multi institution collaborators.
• Familiarity with satellite based QKD interfaces or hybrid (fibre + free space) quantum links.
• Experience in system integration, network deployment, or field demonstrations.

• Background in project coordination or technical leadership.

Key Responsibilities
1. Quantum Network Design, Integration & Operation

• Contribute to the architectural design, deployment, and operation of the Vancouver Quantum Network (QVan) connecting SFU’s Burnaby and Vancouver campuses with partner sites.
• Integrate quantum hardware, including entangled photon sources, single‑photon detectors, quantum memories, and satellite‑QKD interfaces, with classical and dark‑fibre telecom infrastructure.
• Support the evaluation of QKD, quantum‑secure communication protocols, and distributed quantum computing demonstrations under real‑world conditions.

2. Experimental Photonics & Quantum Optics

• Assemble, test, and maintain experimental systems involving fibre‑optic and free‑space photonic components used across the Jennewein and Higginbottom Labs.
• Characterize photonic sources and detectors
• Develop and implement measurement procedures, calibration routines, and automation scripts for stable long‑term network operation.

3. System Engineering & Interoperability Testing

• Support real-world validation of interoperability across multi‑vendor quantum and classical networking equipment.
• Develop and maintain documentation, testing frameworks, and operational protocols for QVan infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot system performance and assist with iterative design improvements.

4. Partner Engagement & Project Coordination

• Act as a technical liaison with industry collaborators, government partners, Canadian SMEs, and research institutions participating in QVan.
• Contribute to project planning, milestone tracking, and reporting requirements associated with PacifiCan-funded activities.
• Support technology transfer, partner onboarding, and dissemination of system performance data and benchmarks.
• Engagement with standards efforts in Canada and internationally related to quantum internet and quantum secure communications

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• An additional 7% pay in lieu of benefits & 8% vacation pay
• Employer paid extended health & dental plans
• Professional development funds (minimum contract period of 1 year)
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

Additional Information

The assignment end date is March 31, 2028