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More Postdocs, Conferences, Oh My!

Singapore/Oxford quantum nanoscience postdoc:

ADVERT: Two postdocs in Quantum Nanoscience Theory: Fundamental physics and high-level structures.
The two postdoctoral researchers in the theory of quantum information and technologies will be appointed to work jointly in Singapore and in Oxford, UK. The researchers will be employed by the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) in Singapore, but will spend up to 10 months each year working in the University of Oxford. The appointments are for 3 years, and form part of a larger initiative on quantum nanoscience. The annual salary is up to $86,000 Singapore dollars (approx. $63,800) plus housing benefits. Each individual will be supervised by two of the following researchers: Simon Benjamin, Bob Coecke, Dieter Jaksch, Vlatko Vedral. The posts are available immediately and will be advertised until they are filled. It is hoped that the appointees will be in post on or before the 4th Jan 2011.  For more information including further particulars and selection criteria please email Irene Tan <irene.tan [atatat] nus.edu.sg>.
Further particulars:
http://www.quantumlah.org/openings/QuantumNanoscienceFurtherParticulars.pdf
Selection criteria:
http://www.quantumlah.org/openings/QuantumNanoscienceSelectionCriteria.pdf

Are you good at quantum information theory?  BBN:

Title: Quantum Optical Information Theorist
Department: Disruptive Information Processing Technologies
Location: Cambridge MA
Raytheon BBN Technologies’ Disruptive Information Processing Technologies Business Unit, located in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a qualified theorist with a strong background in quantum optics and information theory. The ideal candidate should have a good working knowledge of Fourier optics, optical imaging, stochastic processes, estimation theory, digital communications and coding theory, and be familiar with quantum measurement theory. The candidate will join a highly entrepreneurial group of researchers advancing optical communications and imaging technologies by pursuing an in-depth study of the fundamental limits on the information carrying capacity of light waves. The candidate will work with experts in quantum information theory in leading efforts in developing a deep understanding of designing quantum-limited optical communications and imaging systems, and will also provide strong theory support to diverse new and existing efforts on quantum, atomic, superconducting and optical phenomena. Position responsibilities will include building and developing novel information theoretical understanding of quantum optical systems, as well as working closely with experimentalists to perform modeling and simulation of advanced concepts in a system environment.

And Howard sends a note for a conference in Florida in April with an abstract due date of Oct. 2010:

I encourage you and your students and/or associates to participate in the conference QUANTUM INFORMATION AND COMPUTATION IX (DS216) to be held during the SPIE International Symposium on Defense, Security and Sensing, 25-29 April 2011 in Orlando, Florida, USA.
Please see the website: http://spie.org/ds216

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"I sound my lonely trumpet in the dark trying to relax at the edge of precipice which once again faces me"

Steve sends me this gem, arXiv:0905.1039.  The title of this blog post being a line from the paper:

Citation entropy and research impact estimation
Z.K. Silagadze
A new indicator, a real valued $s$-index, is suggested to characterize a quality and impact of the scientific research output. It is expected to be at least as useful as the notorious $h$-index, at the same time avoiding some its obvious drawbacks. However, surprisingly, the $h$-index is found to be quite a good indicator for majority of real-life citation data with their alleged Zipfian behaviour for which these drawbacks do not show up. The style of the paper was chosen deliberately somewhat frivolous to indicate that any attempt to characterize the scientific output of a researcher by just one number always has an element of a grotesque game in it and should not be taken too seriously. I hope this frivolous style will be perceived as a funny decoration only.

I wonder if this will provoke a response from my dear friend the Sad Physicist?

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Quantum Singapore Postdoc Lah

Quantum postdoc on (or at least near) the equator where you can watch the moon rise on the horizon and wonder “who tilted the moon?” (unless, of course you have previously lived a low latitude!):

Postdoctoral Position in Quantum Information
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in Quantum Information at the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT), Singapore.  The position is associated with the research group of Stephanie Wehner and located at CQT on the campus of the National University of Singapore. CQT is one of the leading centres for quantum information in the world, and there is ample opportunity to interact with many senior researchers. The successful applicant will be able to host some of his/her own collaborators and perform independent travel, facilitating the steps to becoming an independent researcher.
Candidates should be creative, highly motivated, and interested to work in an interdisciplinary and very collaborative environment. The candidate will have a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, theoretical computer science or mathematics and a strong background in quantum information theory, quantum cryptography or related fields of research.
Applications with a full CV, list of publications, a brief statement of research interests (one page) and names and electronic contact details of three referees should be sent via email to Stephanie Wehner (wehner [atatatar] nus.edu.sg). Application deadline is the 1st of November 2010.  The position is available starting 1 January 2011 (starting date negotiable). Later applications will be considered if the position is not filled.

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Automated Robot Paper Dance

It’s the paper dance, done automagically (one of the authors is a Dancing Machine, the other, not so much):

arXiv:1009.2203 [scirate arxiv]
Automated searching for quantum subsystem codes by Gregory M. Crosswhite, Dave Bacon
Quantum error correction allows for faulty quantum systems to behave in an effectively error free manner. One important class of techniques for quantum error correction is the class of quantum subsystem codes, which are relevant both to active quantum error correcting schemes as well as to the design of self-correcting quantum memories. Previous approaches for investigating these codes have focused on applying theoretical analysis to look for interesting codes and to investigate their properties. In this paper we present an alternative approach that uses computational analysis to accomplish the same goals. Specifically, we present an algorithm that computes the optimal quantum subsystem code that can be implemented given an arbitrary set of measurement operators that are tensor products of Pauli operators. We then demonstrate the utility of this algorithm by performing a systematic investigation of the quantum subsystem codes that exist in the setting where the interactions are limited to 2-body interactions between neighbors on lattices derived from the convex uniform tilings of the plane.

With pictures:

and with code to boot: http://github.com/gcross/CodeQuest/downloads.

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Beyond Postdocalypse

Even more postdocs 🙂 Peter Love from Haverford College has postdocs for quantum simulation, the most important, yet with apologies to those who have made major progress in this field, still least understood portion of quantum algorithms.  Which is why you should do this postdoc and help us all understand the power of quantum simulation:

Postdoctoral position in Quantum Information
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in quantum information at Haverford College.  The successful applicant will work with Peter Love and collaborators on the development of methods for the simulation of quantum systems on quantum computers, but will also be able to pursue their own research agenda. Applications of particular interest include methods for quantum chemistry, including electronic
structure and chemical reactions.  Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Computer Science or other relevant subject by the starting date.
Haverford College, located 10 miles from downtown Philadelphia, is one of the country’s leading liberal arts colleges.  Its Physics and astronomy program emphasizes research both in and out of the classroom. The Departments of Physics and astronomy comprise seven faculty and three existing postdoctoral scholars. The qualified and interested applicant will have the option to participate in this program by advising undergraduate research students and possibly teaching within the physics department.
The initial appointment will be for one year, with possible extension to three years.  The position is available to begin on the 1st January 2011, but the starting date is negotiable.  Applicants should send a cover letter, CV, bibliography, and a statement of research experience and interest, and arrange to have at least two letters of recommendation sent
to:
Peter Love
Department of Physics, KINSC
Haverford College
370 Lancaster Avenue
Haverford PA 19041
Applications received by Nov. 1 2010 will be given full consideration, but will be accepted until the position is filled.
Included Benefits:
A full benefits package is provided with this job.  The full dental coverage and maternity leave begin after one year of employment.

And as always, the best postdoc positions around, okay so I’m biased…the Omidyar Postdocs at the Santa Fe Institute:

The Omidyar Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Santa Fe Institute offers you:

  • – unparalleled intellectual freedom
  • – transdisciplinary collaboration with leading researchers worldwide
  • – up to three years in residence in Santa Fe, NM
  • – competitive salary and generous benefits
  • – discretionary research and collaboration funds
  • – individualized mentorship and preparation for your next leadership role
  • – an intimate, creative work environment with an expansive sky

The Omidyar Fellowship at the Santa Fe Institute is unique among postdoctoral appointments. The Institute has no formal programs or departments. Research is collaborative and spans the physical, natural, and social sciences. Most research is theoretical and/or computational in nature, although may include an empirical component. SFI averages 15 resident faculty, 95 external faculty, and 250 visitors per year. Descriptions of the research themes and interests of the faculty and current Fellows can be found at http://www.santafe.edu/research.
Requirements:

  • – a Ph.D. in any discipline (or expect to receive one by September 2011)
  • – computational and quantitative skills
  • – an exemplary academic record
  • – a proven ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • – a demonstrated interest in multidisciplinary research
  • – evidence of the ability to think outside traditional paradigms

Applications are welcome from:

  • – candidates from any country
  • – candidates from any discipline
  • – women and minorities, as they are especially encouraged to apply.

SFI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Application Materials:
Interested candidates must submit the following:

  1. Curriculum vitae (including publications list).
  2. Statement of research interests (max. 2 pages) to include a short description of the research you would like to pursue and why.
  3. Description of interest in SFI (max. 1 page) that describes your potential contribution to the SFI community and also explains the potential impact of SFI on your research. Consider addressing one or more of the following: What sort of input from other fields would most improve your future research? What type of multidisciplinary workshop might you want to organize during your Fellowship? What aspects of your present or future research are difficult to pursue in a traditional academic environment?
  4. Three letters of recommendation from scholars who know your work. (The letters should be sent independent of the application. When you complete the online application, please be prepared to provide e-mail addresses of the three individuals who will recommend you. SFI will contact them directly with instructions for submitting letters.)
  5. (Optional) A copy of one paper you have written in English, either published or unpublished.

The Omidyar Fellowship at the Santa Fe Institute is made possible by a generous gift from Pam and Pierre Omidyar.
The Santa Fe Institute is a private, independent, multidisciplinary research and education center founded in 1984. Since its founding, SFI has devoted itself to creating a new kind of scientific research community, pursuing emerging synthesis in science. Operating as a visiting institution, SFI seeks to catalyze new collaborative, multidisciplinary research; to break down the barriers between the traditional disciplines; to spread its ideas and methodologies to other institutions; and to encourage the practical application of its results.
To apply:
Online application site open 1 Sept – 1 Nov 2010.
We ONLY accept online applications via the online-application site.
To begin your online application click HERE
Inquiries: email to (Javascript must be enabled to see this e-mail address) // < ![CDATA[
document.write('ofellowshipinfo@santafe.edu’)
// ]]>ofellowshipinfo [atatat] santafe.edu

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TEDxCaltech

Oh wow, very cool.  TEDxCaltech (http://tedxcaltech.com/):

On Friday, 14 January 2011, Caltech is hosting TEDxCaltech, an exciting one-day event to honor Richard Feynman—Nobel Laureate, Caltech physics professor, iconoclast, visionary, and all-around “curious character.” You won’t want to miss a minute. Stay tuned for more details.

Via @seanmcarroll.  Here is the YouTube teaser:

Oh I would absolutely love to see this. And, “Dear organizers, Please make sure Scott Aaronson is one of your speakers as he is clearly the Richard Feynman of the modern era (without the bongos, I think.)”

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Homogeneous

Down the rabbit hole of universes I dread…
Opening up the daily scientific journal of Oct 23, 2051, a torrent of computer modern fonted journal articles confront me with yet more additions to the proven facts of the Human and Robot American Republic’s known knowledge. New bits xored into the database of that which is true, to be consumed by the rational robots that govern our modern libretarian robotocracy.
Switching on the music now, the artificial intelligence picks out a song guaranteed to satisfy my previous preferences, clustering me into a machine learned sisyphusian hell, from which esape isn’t even listed on the menu of options. How soothed the past feels, served up one associative memory inspired lyric at a time…with catchy bridge lyrics too boot!
But short this entertainment must last, for the advertising dollars that are being lost not peddling to my immediate virtual surroundings the ABSOLUTE bargain that is a Google sponsored cruise to the port of Long Beach. Buy it now, see cargo shipped through direct express tubes to the heartland of America! Witness the end result of the optimal combinatorial solution to economic policy, executed within epsilon of the NP-hard solution.
But all of this is, of course, just a distraction from the true meaning of life: to appear unfiltered on national YouTube. To live, alas to be viral, among the social webs, that truely is the one goal that will make life worth living. A life lived adored by millions justifying any lack of substance, for what is substance if not another check mark in the list of known knowledge?
To sleep now, a day spent pushing the epsilons of an optimized marketing drive, epsilon small but multiplied by billions. Dreams now of Superman III, and salami slices so thin yet so numerous that they even evade the IRS. Sweet dreams to influence my vote, sweet dreams to keep me warm during everything but at night. Sleep. Sleep.

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More Quantum Postdocapalooza – Um, Due Today

Two more postdocs that are due…today and tomorrow.  Better late than never?  First Mic pointed out postdocs at Cambridge:

Post-doctoral Research Associates in Quantum Computing, Quantum Information Theory & Foundations
Salary: £27,319-£35,646
Limit of tenure: 2 years
Closing date: 31 August 2010
The Department invites applications for two post-doctoral research positions to commence on 1st October 2010 or later by agreement. The successful candidates will be associated with the Centre for Quantum Information and Foundations (formerly Centre for Quantum Computation) of the University of Cambridge.

And Debbie points me to the CIFAR postdocs:

The Junior Fellow Academy of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research is an elite fellowship program designed to build research and leadership capacity in gifted young scholars at a critical early stage of career development.  The Academy provides unique opportunities for personal and professional growth through close collaboration with and mentorship from some of the best researchers in Canada and around the world.
By participating both in an innovative CIFAR research program and the leadership-building Junior Fellow Academy, Junior Fellows learn to embrace CIFAR’s core values:  to think broadly and imaginatively across disciplines and to collaborate on a deep level with colleagues.  These valuable experiences are intended to profoundly impact a Junior Fellow’s future career path.
CIFAR Junior Fellowships are held in conjunction with a university appointment.  Most typically, Junior Fellows work as postdoctoral fellows under the direct supervision of one or more CIFAR program members.
Eligibility: The program is targeted to individuals who have completed their PhD within the past three years and have demonstrated outstanding scholarship and research potential.  Individuals currently completing their doctorates are also eligible to apply.
Duration: Two years.
Value:  For postdoctoral fellows (per year): $65,000 CDN for salary, plus benefit support, if needed, and $5,000 CDN for research support.
How to Apply: Available Junior Fellowships in Cosmology & Gravity, Nanoelectronics, Quantum Information Processing, and Quantum Materials are now posted, along with application instructions, at www.cifar.ca/JFA, with an application deadline of September 1, 2010.  Visit today for more information about CIFAR and its Junior Fellow Academy.

Interested parties can contact Debbie for more info: wcleung [at sign goes here here] uwaterloo.ca

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The Second International Conference on Quantum Information and Technology

ICQIT II:

On October 21st and 22nd of 2010, the Japanese National Institute of Informatics will be hosting a satellite conference to the conference “Updating Quantum Cryptography and Communications 2010” (www.uqcc2010.org <http://www.uqcc2010.org/>).  This will be a follow up to our conference in 2009, “The Second International Conference on Quantum Information and Technology (ICQIT)” http://www.qis.ex.nii.ac.jp/icqit2010/index.html,  We would like to put out a general call for participation in this event.  The short conference focuses on,

  • Active quantum devices for quantum communications and quantum computation,
  • System development for quantum computers, repeater networks and quantum simulators,
  • Experimental progress in solid state and optics based quantum devices,
  • Computational Models for large scale computation, specifically topological coding techniques
  • Classical control of large scale quantum systems

The current list of accepted invited speakers are,
Keiichi Edamatsu (Tohoku Univ, Japan)
Masatoshi Fujisawa (TiTech, Tokyo)
Masahito Hayashi (Tohoku Univ, Japan)
Miguel A. Martin-Delgado (Universidad Complutense, Madrid)
Susumu Noda (Kyoto University)
Jeremy O’Brien (Bristol University, U.K.)
Michele Trupke (WUT, Austria)
Andrew White (UQ, Australia)
To find out more information about the conferences (and more especially important dates) please visit the website at  http://www.qis.ex.nii.ac.jp/icqit2010/index.html .  Key information includes
1.  Registration is free for all participants
2.  Abstract submission for posters and contributed talks is the 15th Sept.  Abstracts should be no longer than one page in pdf format. They should be emailed directly to Simon Devitt at devitt [here is the at] nii.ac.jp
3.  Notification of Acceptance of contributed talks and posters is 20th Sept
4.  Registration for Poster presentations and Contributed talks is on the 30th of Sept. 5.  Registration for general participation can be made at any time. However, to adequately cater for this event, we would kindly ask that you register online before the 30th of sept.
Next this conference will be publishing a proceedings in the journal  of “Progress in Informatics”.  Final papers will be due on the 31st Oct 2010 for participates associated with the conference. Contributions will also be considered from those not attending the conference but need to submitted directly to the journal before 30th Sept 2010 www.nii.ac.jp/pi <http://www.nii.ac.jp/pi>.
Please feel free to contact Simon Devitt (devitt [here is the at ]nii.ac.jp) regarding any queries on conference participation or local information in Tokyo.
Best Regards,
Kae Nemoto,
Masahide Sasaki,
Simon Devitt.
Bill Munro.