Postdoctoral Appointee - Superconducting Qubits

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

4d • $72,879 - $121,465 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Argonne QIS Group in MSD and Q-NEXT is hiring a postdoctoral researcher to design, fabricate, and measure next-generation superconducting qubits. The primary project focuses on designing and developing novel fabrication methods for trilayer superconducting qubits, particularly incorporating atomic-scale processing such as atomic layer etching and deposition into the process workflow. The work includes materials and electrical characterization of superconducting devices, including Josephson junctions. The appointee may also participate in related quantum sensing and hybrid quantum systems efforts.

The position is based at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, and requires working onsite at least three days per week during normal daytime hours. The successful candidate will contribute to a safe and inclusive workplace, workforce development, and mentorship, as well as scientific writing, reporting, documentation, initiatives, and presentations. This is a long-term, fixed-term, full-time postdoctoral appointment. The expected hiring range is $72,879 to $121,465. Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package; details are available through Argonne employee benefits information.

Requirements

• Completed PhD in physics, materials science, or a related field; the doctorate must have been completed within the last 0–5 years.
• Knowledge and experience with nanofabrication.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with microwave and quantum control electronics.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with cryogenics and vacuum systems.
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work normal daytime hours at the Argonne site in Lemont, Illinois, at least three days per week.
• Ability to work independently and perform routine tasks without constant direction.
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Demonstrated interest in quantum information science with superconducting devices.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with superconducting thin films.
• Interest in participating in related efforts in quantum sensing and hybrid quantum systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental development and optimization of nanofabrication processes for trilayer superconducting qubits at Argonne.
• Contribute to setting up and operating a new dilution refrigerator system.
• Contribute to providing a safe and inclusive work environment, including workforce development and mentorship opportunities.
• Build and maintain working knowledge of technological tools.
• Participate in writing scientific papers and experimental progress reports, documenting technical developments, driving new initiatives, and presenting results.
• Design, fabricate, and measure superconducting qubits, including materials and electrical characterization of superconducting devices such as Josephson junctions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package; specific benefits are available through Argonne employee benefits information.

What This Job Offers

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