Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Materials

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

4d • $72,879 - $121,465 • Onsite

About The Position

The Quantum Materials group at Argonne National Laboratory, in collaboration with the Argonne Quantum Foundry, a key component of Q-NEXT, seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to spearhead research and development efforts in the synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of diamond and other host materials along with its associated solid-state quantum spin defects. As a key member of our interdisciplinary team, the candidate will work closely with both the Q-NEXT Argonne Quantum Foundry along with the Quantum Metamaterials group within the Materials Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the forefront of quantum materials science, with ample prospects for collaboration and professional growth. The candidate will assume a primary role in spearheading the development of a comprehensive growth, synthesis, and innovative characterization experimental program specifically tailored to diamond for applications in quantum information science. While focused on this core responsibility, the candidate will be encouraged to explore novel avenues of research that complement and enhance the group’s overall objectives (e.g. spin characterization of host materials, silicon carbide synthesis for quantum information science, etc.). Collaboration is a cornerstone of our approach, and as such, the candidate will work closely with fellow group members, as well as with research teams from the broader Argonne community, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and our Q-NEXT partners. In addition to research activities, the candidate will be expected to play a pivotal role in mentoring students and fellow post-docs on various material-centric projects, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing and skill development within the team. Publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences, symposia, and seminars are essential components of this position. Expected to effectively communicate their results and insights to both scientific peers and broader audiences. Furthermore, maintaining awareness of state-of-the-art techniques and expertise within related research groups through active engagement and collaboration is crucial. Critically, the candidate will contribute to the upkeep of technical reports documenting experiment progress, technique development, and new initiatives, providing valuable insights to peer reviewers and program managers alike.

Requirements

• Recently completed PhD within the last 0-5 years in an applicable field.
• Strong background in materials research for quantum information or sensing, preferably with practical experience.
• Proficiency in materials synthesis and fabrication, particularly with a focus on quantum information science materials like diamond and SiC.
• Extensive experience conducting experimental research on materials physics systems, utilizing advanced synthesis, fabrication, spectroscopy, or microscopy techniques.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, essential for effectively communicating research findings and collaborating within a team.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and thrive in a multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating strong teamwork skills.
• Dedication to materials development, optimization, and a solid grasp of the interplay between synthesis methods and observable material characteristics.
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Diamond PE-CVD synthesis techniques.
• Proficiency in optical characterization of diamond surfaces and other NV-decoherence mechanisms.
• Familiarity with fabrication techniques for diamond devices, including etching, and synthesis of spin defects.

Responsibilities

• Pioneering novel synthesis doping techniques for "quantum grade" diamond.
• Optimizing surface termination methods.
• Developing deterministic synthesis of pertinent defects.
• Spearheading the development of a comprehensive growth, synthesis, and innovative characterization experimental program specifically tailored to diamond for applications in quantum information science.
• Exploring novel avenues of research that complement and enhance the group’s overall objectives (e.g. spin characterization of host materials, silicon carbide synthesis for quantum information science, etc.).
• Collaborating closely with fellow group members, research teams from the broader Argonne community, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and Q-NEXT partners.
• Mentoring students and fellow post-docs on various material-centric projects.
• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences, symposia, and seminars.
• Effectively communicating results and insights to both scientific peers and broader audiences.
• Maintaining awareness of state-of-the-art techniques and expertise within related research groups through active engagement and collaboration.
• Contributing to the upkeep of technical reports documenting experiment progress, technique development, and new initiatives.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

What This Job Offers

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