What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physicist - Quantum Memory position at Qunett?
About Qunett
Qunett is building the core hardware infrastructure for quantum networking. Our mission is to enable scalable, deployable quantum networks by developing solid-state quantum memory and networking technologies that operate outside the lab and integrate with real-world systems. At Qunett, engineers and physicists work hands-on with diamond-based quantum devices, photonics, cryogenics, and control systems to turn fundamental quantum capabilities into practical networked hardware. This is an opportunity to help define how quantum systems communicate, scale, and ultimately power the next generation of secure communication, sensing, and distributed quantum computing. As an early-stage startup, Qunett values engineers and physicists who bring technical breadth, adaptability, and a willingness to contribute across disciplines as priorities evolve.
Work Location
This is a full-time, onsite role based in Boston, MA.
About the role
Qunett is seeking a Quantum Memory Physicist to advance quantum memory capabilities based on the electron-nuclear spin register and spin-optical interface in group-IV color centers in diamond. This role owns day-to-day operation of a memory testbed and will execute pulsed optical microwave/RF experiments that leverage the color center spin-photon interface for quantum networking-related protocols. This includes demonstrations such as optical spin state preparation and readout, coherent microwave spin manipulation, and spin-photon entanglement. The successful candidate will be part of the core experimental team responsible for developing the diamond quantum memory products for quantum networking applications.
Required qualifications
- PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, EE, or closely related field
- Hands-on experience with optically active spin defects in solids, including for example diamond color centers, SiC defects, rare-earth ions, hBN defect emitters, and related platforms)
- Background in laser spectroscopy and quantum optical characterization, including PLE, linewidth/spectral diffusion, g(2) measurements, optical coherence and lifetime, and count-rate budgets
- Experience with optical, electronic, microwave, and RF instrumentation used for laser modulation, photon counting, and/or pulsed spin resonance experiments (AWGs, VNAs, IQ modulators, EOMs, AOMs, time taggers)
- Python-based automation/analysis used in a lab context for instrument control, experiment orchestration, calibration, etc.
Preferred qualifications
- Direct experience with diamond color center nanophotonics experiments
- Experience with low temperature (<1K) cryogenic equipment
- Expertise in pulsed spin resonance techniques, including T1, T2, Rabi, Ramsey, CPMG
- Experience with magneto-optical characterization of spin-photon interfaces in color centers
- Experience with coherent quantum optical experiments (e.g. two-photon HOM interference)
- FPGA programming experience
- Experience with confocal imaging techniques, high-NA light collection, or optical microscope design
- Familiarity with quantum information theory concepts
Benefits
- Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision prescription plans) 
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Equity incentives (stock options for new hires)
- Time off: unlimited PTO sick time 11 paid holidays 
- Employee support benefits (EAP, caregiver support, healthcare advocacy, and more)