Quantum Frontiers Postdoctoral Scholar
 The Pennsylvania State University | |
medical insurance, remote work
| |
 United States, Pennsylvania, University Park | |
| 201 Old Main (Show on map) | |
 Jun 25, 2026 | |
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.POSITION SPECIFICS The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), https://ist.psu.edu/, at Penn State invites applications for the position of its inaugural Quantum Frontiers Postdoctoral Scholar. This year, two such positions are available, one in Quantum + security and the other in Quantum + AI. There are two separate job postings. This ad is for the Quantum + security position andis intended to advance high-impact research at the intersection of quantum computing, cybersecurity, secure systems, and trustworthy AI. Quantum computing is poised to transform computation, communication, cryptography, and national security. At the same time, the emerging quantum era introduces urgent cybersecurity challenges, including the need for post-quantum cryptographic systems, secure quantum protocols, resilient cyber infrastructure, and new methods for protecting quantum-enabled technologies. This position will help IST build research capacity and national leadership in secure and trustworthy systems for the quantum era. The successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research on topics including:
The postdoctoral scholar will be based in the IST and will have opportunities to collaborate across Penn State, including with the Penn State Quantum Hub (https://quantum.psu.edu/), Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (https://icds.psu.edu/), and National Security Institute (https://nsi.psu.edu/). The position is designed to catalyze interdisciplinary research, support proposal development, mentor students, and contribute to Penn State's growing leadership at the quantum-security nexus. ResponsibilitiesThe postdoctoral scholar will be expected to:
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in computer science, cybersecurity, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, physics, or a closely related field by the start date. Because this position is centered on quantum-era cybersecurity, we are particularly interested in candidates with a strong Computing-oriented research profile, including expertise in cybersecurity, cryptography, secure systems, quantum software, quantum networking security, or post-quantum security. Candidates from physics or quantum science backgrounds are encouraged to apply when their work has clear security relevance. Strong candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
Candidates with interdisciplinary experience and an interest in building collaborative research programs are encouraged to apply. Appointment DetailsThe position is a full-time postdoctoral appointment, with an anticipated start date in early Fall 2026, though an earlier start date may be possible. Medical insurance and other standard university benefits are also provided. The scholar will be initially supervised by the Head of Department of Privacy and Cybersecurity Informatics (PCI) in the IST to support their integration into the department and the broader Penn State research community. Based on research alignment, the scholar will further have opportunities to collaborate with and be co-mentored by faculty across Penn State. Application MaterialsApplicants should submit:
System limitations allow for a total of 5 documents (5mb per document) as part of your application. Please combine materials to meet the 5-document limit. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. About Penn StatePenn State is a leading public research university with significant strengths in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum science, computational and data sciences, national security, and interdisciplinary research. This position will contribute to Penn State's strategic efforts to build research leadership in secure, trustworthy, and intelligent systems for the quantum era. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines | |