Joint Faculty / Associate Scientist
About The Position
This is a joint 50/50 appointment between Illinois Tech and Fermilab intended to strengthen collaborative research, student training, and shared research infrastructure in superconducting quantum science and technology. The appointment may be made at the Assistant Professor/Associate Scientist level or, in exceptional cases, at the Associate or Full Professor/Senior Scientist level, depending on qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date is August 2026. Fermilab hosts the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS), one of the U.S. Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, and supports world-class facilities in superconducting quantum materials, 2D superconducting qubits, and 3D SRF cavity-based quantum systems (“qudits”). Illinois Tech and Fermilab seek an outstanding experimental scientist who will contribute to an internationally recognized research program that advances superconducting quantum devices and strengthens the growing quantum ecosystem between the two institutions.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field by the start date.
- Experimental research experience in superconducting quantum devices or closely related areas.
- Demonstrated record of research productivity and scientific achievement.
- Ability to contribute effectively to teaching, mentoring, and collaborative research.
Nice To Haves
- Expertise in superconducting qubits, SRF cavities, quantum circuits, superconducting resonators, or related quantum platforms.
- Experience with cryogenic systems, microwave engineering, device fabrication, cleanroom processing, materials characterization, or quantum measurements.
- Demonstrated success in securing external research funding (expected for senior candidates).
- Experience leading collaborative or interdisciplinary research programs.
- Interest in developing long-term research and workforce development partnerships between Illinois Tech and Fermilab.
Responsibilities
- Conduct high-impact research aligned with Illinois Tech and Fermilab strengths in superconducting quantum materials and systems.
- Lead or contribute to collaborative research initiatives involving universities, national laboratories, industry, and federal agencies.
- Publish research results in leading peer-reviewed journals and present invited talks at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to major proposal development, center-scale initiatives, and strategic quantum science activities.
- Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and quantum science at Illinois Tech.
- Mentor Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate researchers.
- Develop research and training opportunities connecting Illinois Tech students with Fermilab facilities, scientists, and programs.
- Contribute to curriculum development and interdisciplinary education initiatives in quantum science and technology.
- Engage closely with SQMS and related Fermilab programs in superconducting quantum science.
- Help strengthen shared infrastructure and collaborative research activities between Illinois Tech and Fermilab.
- Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and intellectually ambitious research environment.
- Participate in departmental, laboratory, and professional service activities.
Benefits
- Access to advanced research facilities
- Collaborate broadly across the SQMS ecosystem and associated Fermilab programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
