ARLIS Quantum Research Professional

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
The Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS), located at the University of Maryland College Park, was established in 2018 under the sponsorship of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security (OUSD). As a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), ARLIS conducts foundational and applied research that supports the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. Our mission is to serve as a long-term strategic asset for national security by advancing science and technology in areas critical to intelligence and defense operations.

ARLIS is seeking qualified candidates with expertise in quantum information science to join our multidisciplinary team of research professionals. We invite applicants at all experience levels whose research interests, skills, and backgrounds align with ARLIS’s mission to accelerate applications of quantum technology into operations. Successful candidates will join a growing team of researchers in the newly formed Maryland Institute for Quantum Applications (MIQA) at ARLIS.

Successful candidates will contribute to a portfolio of government-sponsored projects creating and assessing quantum technology applications related to national intelligence and security. ARLIS is interested in identifying and maturing quantum technologies including quantum sensing & metrology, quantum computing & algorithms, and quantum networking. Positions may include a focus on algorithms development; applications analysis; hardware development, test, and evaluation; literature research and analysis; and systems engineering for quantum technologies. Final appointment title and responsibilities will be based on qualifications and matched to programmatic needs.

Roles and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities will vary by project and candidate expertise and may include:
• Conducting applied research in quantum information science and key supporting technologies.
• Critically evaluating the utility of emerging quantum computing, sensing, and networking technologies for DoD and IC applications.
• Experimental testing and evaluating of emerging quantum technology products such as optical clocks, magnetometers, and post-quantum cryptography modules.
• Supporting workforce development programs to rapidly train quantum-smart professionals for Industry and Government roles.
• Collaborating within interdisciplinary teams including professional analysts, software developers, cybersecurity experts, engineers, supply chain experts, and quantum information scientists.
• Preparing technical deliverables and briefings for government stakeholders.
• Contributing to the preparation of publications, proposals, & technical work plans.

Must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance. If selected, you must meet the requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to a government security clearance investigation that includes criminal and credit history checks, as well as verification of U.S. citizenship, birth, education, employment, and military history.

Faculty Research Specialist Track Qualifications:
Faculty Research Specialist (Entry Level):

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a field closely related to Quantum Information Science.
• Experience organizing and managing projects through volunteer, extracurricular, or work activities.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in the execution, administration, and/or management of research or academic programs.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team or work independently with guidance from senior colleagues.
• Analytical skills such as scientific programming (Python, Mathematica, etc.), data analysis, statistics, or modeling.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with federal government-sponsored research
• Active security clearance

Senior Faculty Specialist (Mid-Level)

Minimum Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a field closely related to Quantum Information Science and 3+ years of experience in a technical role or project management position at the Faculty Research Specialist level; or Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of relevant experience in a role of equivalent responsibility
• Experience organizing and managing projects through volunteer, extracurricular, or work activities
• Experience with federal government-sponsored research
• Demonstrated excellence in the execution, administration, and/or management of research or academic programs
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and provide guidance to junior colleagues.
• Analytical skills such as scientific programming (Python, Mathematica, etc.), data analysis, statistics, or modeling.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Hands-on experience in quantum technology research and development
• Active security clearance

Salary Range
$80,000 - $134,925

Research Scientist Track Qualifications:
Assistant Research Scientist (Entry Level):

Minimum Qualifications:
• PhD in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a field closely related to Quantum Information Science; or an advanced degree with significant research experience in a quantum-related domain in academia, government, or industry.
• Evidence of sound scholarly production in Quantum Information Science through publications, presentations, or other scholarly works.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research at a level comparable to Assistant Professor.
• Expected to begin to apply as a PI for single-investigator proposals and to be Task Leads or Co-PIs on larger proposals.
• Professional service contributions such as reviewing journal publications or conference papers, helping to organize conferences, workshops, and researcher visits, conference participation, or professional mentorship.

Associate Research Scientist (Mid-Level)

Minimum Qualifications:
• PhD in a field closely related to Quantum Information Science plus 5 years of research experience at the Assistant Research Scientist level.
• Significant scientific research accomplishments in Quantum Information Science, showing promise of continued productivity, and having the ability to propose, develop, and manage research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research at a level comparable to Associate Professor.
• Expected to identify funding opportunities with DoD and IC sponsors, and serve as PI or Co-PI on large proposals.
• Ability to grow ARLIS and MIQA by mentoring junior researchers and participating in organization sub-committees.
• Extensive professional service contributions such as regular service on review panels for funding agencies, academic journal review, conference participation, or professional mentorship.
• Experience interfacing regularly with project sponsors or customers.

Full Research Scientist (Senior Level)

Minimum Qualifications:
• PhD in a relevant field plus 5 years of research experience at the Associate Research Scientist level.
• National or international recognition as a subject matter expert in a field closely related to Quantum Information Science.
• Expected to pursue funding opportunities and serve as Principal Investigator or have primary responsibility for a significant part of a multi-investigator project
• Serve in a leadership role at ARLIS and MIQA and drive key initiatives and business development opportunities to grow the program
• Ability to grow ARLIS and MIQA by mentoring junior and mid-career researchers and leading organization sub-committees.
• Extensive professional service contributions such as regular service on review panels for funding agencies, academic journal review, conference participation, or professional mentorship.
• Experience leading large, complex engagements with Government sponsor or customers.

Salary Range
$120,000 - $252,289

Research Engineer Track Qualifications:
Assistant Research Engineer (Entry Level)

Minimum Qualifications:
• PhD in an Engineering field related to Quantum Information Science OR a Master’s degree in an Engineering field with 3 years of professional engineering research experience OR a Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field with 8 years of professional engineering research experience.
• Evidence of sound research production in Quantum Information Science through publications, presentations, or successful projects.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research at a level comparable to Assistant Professor
• Expected to begin to apply as a PI for single-investigator proposals and to be Task Leads or Co-PIs on larger proposals
• Professional service may include reviewing journal publications, white papers, statements of work, and proposals; and helping to organize conferences, workshops, and visits by external stakeholders

Associate Research Engineer (Mid-Level):
Minimum Qualifications:
• PhD in an Engineering field related to Quantum Information Science plus 5 years of research experience at the Assistant Research Engineer level OR a Master’s degree with 8 years of research experience OR a Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field with 13 years of professional engineering research experience.
• Significant scientific research accomplishments in Quantum Information Science, showing promise of continued productivity, and having the ability to propose, develop, and manage research projects.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research at a level comparable to Associate Professor.
• Expected to identify funding opportunities with DoD and IC sponsors, and serve as PI or Co-PI on large proposals.
• Ability to grow ARLIS and MIQA by mentoring junior researchers and participating in organization sub-committees.
• Extensive professional service contributions such as regular service on review panels for funding agencies, academic journal review, conference participation, or professional mentorship.
• Experience interfacing regularly with project sponsors or customers.

Full Research Engineer (Senior Level)
Minimum Qualifications:
• PhD in an Engineering field related to Quantum Information Science plus 5 years of research experience at the Associate Research Engineer level OR a Master’s degree with 13 years of research experience OR a Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field with 18 years of professional engineering research experience.
• National or international recognition as a subject matter expert in a field closely related to Quantum Information Science.
• Expected to pursue funding opportunities and serve as Principal Investigator or have primary responsibility for a significant part of a multi-investigator project
• Serve in a leadership role at ARLIS and drive key initiatives and business development opportunities to grow the program
• Ability to grow ARLIS and MIQA by mentoring junior and mid-career researchers and leading organization sub-committees.
• Extensive professional service contributions such as regular service on review panels for funding agencies, academic journal review, conference participation, or professional mentorship.
• Experience leading large, complex engagements with Government sponsor or customers

Salary Range
$110,000 - $240,082

Physical Demands:
Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.

Licenses/ Certifications: NA

Minimum Qualifications

The appointee shall hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area and show potential for excellence in the administration and/or management of academic or research programs. Faculty Specialists are expected to engage in activities such as developing curriculum and/or innovative means for delivering curriculum, supervising the non-research activities of graduate or post-doctoral students, serving as grant writers or authors of other publications for an academic or research program, conducting specialized research duties or other such duties that would generate intellectual property to which the faculty member shall retain the rights. Appointments to this rank are typically one to three years and are renewable.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, Resume, List of References

Best Consideration Date: 12/31/26

Posting Close Date: NA

Open Until Filled: YES

Department

VPR-Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

$80,000 - $252,289

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Resources

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