Applied Scientist, Device Team, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

Amazon • Pasadena, CA

1d

About The Position

The Amazon Web Services Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) in Pasadena, CA, is
looking to hire an Applied Scientist. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of
experimental and theoretical physicists, materials scientists, and hardware and
software engineers working at the forefront of quantum computing. You should
have a solid foundation in experimental physics and deep and broad knowledge of
experimental measurement techniques. 

Candidates should have a track record of
original scientific contributions, and those with deep knowledge and experience
in low temperature condensed matter physics (superconductivity, Josephson
junctions, phononics, TLS physics etc.) will be preferred. We are looking for
candidates with strong engineering principles, resourcefulness and a bias for
action, superior problem solving, and excellent communication skills. Working
effectively within a team environment is essential. You will be expected to work
on new ideas and stay abreast of the field of experimental quantum computation.
In this role, you will be part of the Physical Metrology and Exploration (PME)
subgroup within the Device team. You will work with the basic building blocks of
quantum processors, ranging from superconducting films and resonators to
junctions and qubits. There are two core missions for the PME team. The first is
to support the CQC’s central activities through the development of devices, both
existing and novel, that fall within this complexity range. This involves
understanding their physical principles, identifying performance limitations,
and collaboratively enhancing their capabilities. In many cases though, existing
tools and measurement protocols fall short in delivering the depth of insights
required for this first mission. Hence the second core mission of the team
centers on physical metrology development. This involves continuously refining
existing methodologies and simultaneously devising entirely new ones by
identifying specific physical phenomena and exploiting them for measurement
applications. You will constantly learn, innovate, carry out agile and yet
scientifically rigorous research, and disseminate findings to the rest of the
organization. You will be responsible for building experiments that encompass
the integrated stack: design, fabrication, cryogenics, signal chain, and control
stack software. Based on your research, you will provide recommendations that
improve our next-generation quantum processors.

Requirements

• PhD, or Master's degree and 4+ years of science, technology, engineering or related field experience
• Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
• Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language
• Broad experience in experimental physics with ability to learn new topics
• Excellent skills in problem solving and communication

Nice To Haves

• Deep knowledge and experience in low temperature condensed matter physics

Responsibilities

• Work with the basic building blocks of quantum processors, ranging from superconducting films and resonators to junctions and qubits.
• Support the CQC’s central activities through the development of devices, both existing and novel.
• Understanding their physical principles, identifying performance limitations, and collaboratively enhancing their capabilities.
• Continuously refining existing methodologies and simultaneously devising entirely new ones by identifying specific physical phenomena and exploiting them for measurement applications.
• Building experiments that encompass the integrated stack: design, fabrication, cryogenics, signal chain, and control stack software.
• Provide recommendations that improve our next-generation quantum processors.

Benefits

• health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage)
• 401(k) matching
• paid time off
• parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree