Quantum Frontiers Postdoctoral Scholar

About the role

The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) 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. This ad is for the Quantum + security position and aims to advance high-impact research at the intersection of quantum computing, cybersecurity, secure systems, and trustworthy AI.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research in quantum security, post-quantum cybersecurity, or closely related areas
• Collaborate with faculty across cybersecurity, quantum computing, AI, systems, and policy
• Contribute to external funding proposals to agencies such as NSF, DOE, DARPA, and other sponsors
• Develop a quantum + security course
• Help develop IST’s visibility and research portfolio in quantum-era cybersecurity

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in computer science, cybersecurity, electrical and computer engineering, mathematics, physics, or a closely related field by the start date
• Strong Computing-oriented research profile, including expertise in cybersecurity, cryptography, secure systems, quantum software, quantum networking security, or post-quantum security
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas: Cybersecurity, Cryptography or post-quantum cryptography, Quantum computing, quantum information, or quantum networking, Secure systems and software, AI for cybersecurity, Critical infrastructure security, Security policy, risk, and governance related to emerging technologies
• Interdisciplinary experience and interest in building collaborative research programs

Requirements

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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 our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

Schedule

The position is a full-time postdoctoral appointment, with an anticipated start date in early Fall 2026, though an earlier start date may be possible.

Pay

Medical insurance and other standard university benefits are also provided.

Contact Information

For more information about the position, please contact [Contact Information].