The Quantum Sensing & Timing (QST) group pursues various research efforts geared towards transitioning quantum devices and sensors into real-world applications to solve critical issues for communications, positioning, navigation, & timing.

The QST group actively invites students and graduates to work with us through various opportunities for high-school students, graduate students doing their thesis/dissertation work in our labs, and postdoctoral associates.

The AFRL Scholars Program is designed to provide immersive and project-based STEM learning opportunities for students, to strengthen the AFRL technical workforce pipeline of the future. Scholars participate in 10-18 week internships, during which they receive AFRL mentorship, exposure to AFRL research and technology, professional development, and access to enrichment and engagement events. The AFRL Scholars Program is implemented during fall, spring, and summer sessions and is currently in execution.

Research Assistantships, a subprogram of the AFRL Scholars Program, is a new initiative to extend the pipeline of the traditional AFRL Scholars Program by offering 50-week, annual appointments for more intensive and advanced research opportunities to graduate students, with the intention of securing long-term employment with AFRL at the conclusion of the assistantship. In return for their participation, Research Assistants will receive an increased stipend, relative to AFRL Scholars. Research Assistants may start annual appointments during fall and spring sessions and the first cohort will begin fall 2021.

AFRL Scholars Professionals is a new initiative to develop a workforce training program specific to STEM and, more explicitly, engineering disciplines, intended to prepare and retain the next generation of high-tech workers. Recent college graduates will be recruited and hired to work two-year, annually renewable appointments within AFRL directorates. AFRL Scholars Professionals are considered stipend recipients and will receive a total compensation package that is highly competitive and commensurate with government and industry standards. AFRL Scholars Professionals may start annual appointments during fall sessions and the first cohort will begin fall 2021.

For more information, please see: https://afrlscholars.usra.edu

Or contact: AFRL-Scholars@usra.edu

The Quantum Sensing & Timing team has developed several software tools appropriate and useful for basic research. Latest public versions of these tools can be found on GitHub: https://github.com/afrl-quantum

Our group is actively looking for new postdoctoral researchers interested in applying their physics or engineering expertise to help bring quantum advantage to a reality for solving problems of great national interest.

We encourage interested applicants to apply to these opportunities:

• The prestigious National Research Council Postdoctoral Associateship:

  • Applications are accepted every quarter: 1 February, 1 May, 1 August, 1 November
  • Direct link to our opportunity: Cold-Atom Precision Timing and Inertial Navigation
  • We typically like to invite prospective applicants to visit our lab and give a scientific presentation before applying
  • Make inquiries either through contact info listed on NRC website or qst@afrl.af.mil
• ​Positions through Space Dynamics Laboratory
  • Very reasonable compensation with benefits
  • Positions are offered to qualified applicants as funds are available
  • Those interested can email for current openings: SDL_QST@sdl.usu.edu