Group Leader, Applied Quantum Technologies (Quantum Networking and Entanglement), Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Job Description
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a senior scientist to lead its Applied Quantum Technologies (AQT) group in the Quantum Information Science Section of the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division. The group works on both continuous-variable and discrete-variable quantum information science and has extensive expertise in quantum entanglement. With new institutional investment and growing DOE and federal funding, ORNL expects the group to grow quickly, and the leader will set its science agenda, win funding and build the team.
At a glance
- Role: Group Leader, Applied Quantum Technologies
- Division: Computational Sciences and Engineering, QIS Section
- Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee
- Experience: PhD + 6 years (or MS + 12 years)
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 14 October 2026)
Major duties
- Oversee high-quality research in applied quantum technologies
- Work with the Physics Division and others on a unified plan for experimental quantum sensing and computing networks
- Collaborate with scientists outside ORNL, and mentor early-career staff, postdocs and students
- Develop funding with DOE and other agencies, and open new research directions
- Manage staff: hiring, retention, development and motivation
- Write papers, reports and proposals, and represent the group in public forums
What ORNL is looking for
- A PhD with at least 6 years of relevant experience, or an MS with at least 12 years, in physics, optics, computer science, electrical engineering or a QIS-related field
- A demonstrated understanding of experimental physics research
- Experience leading R&D teams
Nice to have
- 5 years of programme or research management at a large research institution or government body
- Experience building and operating quantum technology in deployed environments
- A record of research partnerships with universities, industry and labs, and strong proposal writing
Pay and location
ORNL’s posting does not state a salary for this role and gives no closing date.
How to apply
Apply through the official ORNL job posting. ORNL’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 14 October 2026. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
See all our quantum technology jobs, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Official advertisement: jobs.ornl.gov
How to prepare for this application
- Prepare a five-year vision for applied quantum technologies (quantum networks, sensing) at a DOE lab.
- Show your funding record and how you grew a team.
- Read ORNL's quantum networking and entanglement-distribution results.
- Be ready to discuss operating quantum hardware outside the lab (deployed networks).
About ORNL's Quantum Information Science Section
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science laboratory in Tennessee. Its Quantum Information Science Section has more than 35 scientists working on quantum computing, communication and sensing.
