NSF loses power. No, not politcal power silly: electrical power!
Speaking of which, this is what writing a grant proposal looks like to me:
OQIS? Oh, yes.
Optical quantum information science position in Bristol:
Based in the Departments of Physics and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, you will work in the Centre for Quantum Photonics in the area of optical quantum information science. We have a world-leading Centre for Quantum Photonics spanning Physics and Electrical Engineering. This group is active in several EU, US, Australian and UK programs. Areas being studied include: single photon sources from quantum dots and diamond, pair photon sources from photonic crystal fibres, multi-photon quantum interference, quantum communication, optical quantum computing, quantum measurement, and quantum metrology.
We currently have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the area of optical quantum measurement and quantum information. This project will involve generalised quantum measurements with single photons and quantum information processing. It will use photons generated via nonlinear crystals, as well as the photonic crystal fibres sources developed by Prof. John Rarity at Bristol. You will have postgraduate experience in experimental physics or related discipline. You may also have experience in single photon quantum optics or experimental quantum information science. General laboratory experience in interfacing equipment and data processing, and a willingness to supervise graduate students will also be necessary.
This position is offered for two years in the first instance, with possible extension to four years. If successful, you may be appointed either on a fixed term or a permanent contract depending on the extent of your previous relevant research experience. Further information can be found at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/personnel/ftc/
I was once kicked into a club with Jeremey O’Brien.
Beautiful Spoken Prose
What would you say if you’d just been award a Nobel Prize in Literature:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_qyvU6_7nE[/youtube]
359 is the new 555
359.33.9.234.
Absolutely Cheating
Oops. If you cheat, it’s probably smart not to absolutely cheat.
Mundane!
Patrick points me to Working for the Revolution by Freeman Dyson, which is a review of
Faust in Copenhagen: A Struggle for the Soul of Physics
Theoretical physicists are now divided into two main factions. Those who
look forward to another revolution mostly believe that it will grow out of
a grand mathematical scheme known as string theory. Those who are content
with the outcome of the old revolution are mostly studying more mundane
subjects such as high-temperature superconductors and quantum computers.
String theory may be considered to be the counterattack of those who lost
the debate over complementarity in physics in Copenhagen in 1932. It is
the revenge of the heirs of Einstein against the heirs of Bohr. The new
discipline of systems biology, describing living creatures as emergent
dynamic organizations rather than as collections of molecules, is the
counterattack of those who lost the debate over complementarity in biology
in 1953. It is the revenge of the heirs of Bohr against the heirs of
Einstein.
You heard that correctly. Quantum computing is mundane.
Only 20 Light Years? Lets Go!
New Planet. Closer to it’s star than Earth, but the star is cooler. Gliese 581c here we come!
Elevator Buttons
Is there a simple reason why elevator floor buttons cannot be reset by a second push of the button?
Update: A comment reminded me of the first time I remember being able to ride on an elevator (at the time there was no elevators in Yreka.) It was at a Little People of America convention in Reno, Nevada (my sister is a little person.) They had installed these nice ramps so that the little people could reach all of the buttons. But for a little tyrant like myself, what this meant was that I could get into the elevator, run up the ramp, quickly press all the buttons and then get off at the next floor. Proceed to the next elevator and repeat. Ah, such fun.
PI Postdocs
Yes, it’s that time of year. The leaves are turning orange, sending a color coded signal to your head that it is, once again, time to apply for jobs. Here’s one from the center of the quantum computing universe (the existence of a prefered reference frame does not imply that the laws of physics aren’t Lorentz invariant in all (*ahem* intertial *ahem*) reference frames):
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics is accepting applications for postdoctoral positions in the areas of quantum gravity, string theory, quantum information, cosmology, quantum foundations and particle physics. Applicants in related areas, such as condensed matter physics, are also encouraged to apply. The postdoctoral positions are normally for a period of three years. Outstanding candidates may also be considered for a senior postdoctoral position with a five-year term.
The deadline for applications is November 5, 2007, but applications will be considered until all positions are filled.
Further information and an online application can be found here: http://www.perimeterinstitute.ca/postdoctoralresearcher
If the Santa Fe Institute is the Ivory Tower, the Perimeter Institute is its Canadian sister (blessed be the Canadian dollar which is bring dollars Seattle’s way.)
SFI Postdocs
Postdocs at the Santa Fe Institute:
Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities at the Santa Fe Institute
The Santa Fe Institute (SFI) is selectively seeking applications for Postdoctoral Fellows for appointments beginning Fall 2008.
Fellows are appointed for up to three years during which they pursue research questions of their own design and are encouraged to transcend disciplinary lines. SFI’s unique structure and resources enable Fellows to collaborate with members of the SFI faculty, other Fellows, and researchers from around the world.
As the leader in multidisciplinary research, SFI has no formal programs or departments and we accept applications from any field. Research topics span the full range of natural and social sciences and often make connections with the humanities. Most research at SFI is theoretical and/or computational in nature, although some research includes an empirical component in collaboration with other institutions.
The compensation package includes a competitive salary and excellent health and retirement benefits. As full participants in the SFI community, Fellows are encouraged to invite speakers, organize workshops and working groups and engage in research outside their field. Funds are available to support this full range of research activities. Applications are welcome from candidates in any country. Successful foreign applicants must acquire an acceptable visa (usually a J-1) as a condition of employment. Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
For complete information and application instructions, please follow the link to http://www.santafe.edu/postdocapp08. The online application process opens October 15, 2007. Application deadline is November 15, 2007.
I recently heard someone describe the SFI as “the academic tower” which is a spot on description. A great place to do research. (Damn I miss green chiles.)