Quantum Information Science Postdoctoral Research Associate

Brookhaven National Laboratory • Ridge, NY

1d • $71,900 - $82,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) at BNL is seeking an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct pioneering research on materials for superconducting qubits and circuits aimed at advancing scalability in quantum information systems. In this position, you will join the team’s effort to develop new materials for superconducting qubits and establishing connections between direct material characterization and device performance. Specifically, you will lead the effort in thin film superconducting material synthesis at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) and participate in quantum device fabrication/characterization to complete the feedback loop. You will also contribute to materials characterization using synchrotron-based and lab-based X-ray spectroscopy/scattering techniques at National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS II) and CFN. Your work at C2QA will be supervised by CFN scientist Mingzhao Liu.

Requirements

• Earned a Ph.D. in an experimental physical science or engineering discipline within the past five years; or to be completed prior to the starting date.
• Experience with thin film synthesis by vapor deposition techniques.
• Familiarity with X-ray spectroscopy/scattering/diffraction methods, including XPS/PES, XAS, XRD.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly present results in scientific papers and seminars.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with superconducting materials studies.
• Familiarity with scientific computing tools for data acquisition and analysis.
• Experience with nanofabrication (cleanroom), including metal deposition, lithography (electron-beam lithography and photolithography), and etching.
• Performed low temperature electrical transport measurements.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to new experimental challenges.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the synthesis of superconducting thin films and microfabrication of quantum devices to develop low-loss and scalable superconducting qubit technologies.
• Investigate superconducting materials using advanced characterization techniques, including synchrotron X-ray methods and electron microscopy, to identify and mitigate materials defects that contribute to quantum decoherence.
• Perform low-temperature electrical characterization and benchmarking of superconducting quantum devices, including resonators and qubits, using the BNL cryogenic measurement facility and in collaboration with C2QA partners.
• Correlate materials synthesis, processing, and characterization with quantum device performance to establish structure-property relationships and guide materials optimization for improved coherence, reliability, and scalability.
• Demonstrated commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.
• Collaborate with researchers across the C2QA partnership and disseminate your research through publications, conference presentations, and collaborative reports.

Benefits

• Comprehensive employee benefits program

What This Job Offers

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