Quantum Information Science Postdoctoral Research Associate, BNL, USA

Summary

The Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on materials for superconducting qubits and circuits. The role focuses on thin-film superconducting material synthesis at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN), device fabrication, and material characterization at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) and CFN facilities to improve coherence and scalability in quantum information systems.

Designation

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Supervised by CFN Scientist Mingzhao Liu)

Key Job Details

Research Area

• Primary Field: Quantum Information Science (QIS) & Quantum Materials
• Focus Areas:
  • Superconducting qubits and circuit materials
  • Thin-film synthesis via vapor deposition techniques
  • Advanced characterization via synchrotron-based X-ray methods (XPS/PES, XAS, XRD) and electron microscopy
  • Low-temperature cryogenic device characterization and decoherence mitigation

Location

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL)

Upton, NY 11973, United States

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in an experimental physical science (Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry) or Engineering discipline earned within the past 5 years, or to be completed prior to the appointment start date.
• Experience Limit: Per BNL policy, eligible candidates may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant postdoctoral/R&D experience after receiving their Ph.D. (excluding allowable personal/family leave).
• Technical Skills:
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with thin-film synthesis using vapor deposition techniques.
  • Familiarity with X-ray spectroscopy, scattering, and diffraction methods (e.g., XPS/PES, XAS, XRD).
• Communication: Track record of publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers and presenting at conferences.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, multi-institutional, interdisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with superconducting materials and circuit fabrication.
• Nanofabrication cleanroom expertise (e.g., electron-beam lithography, photolithography, metal deposition, etching).
• Proficiency in scientific computing and programming tools for automated data acquisition and analysis.

Job Description & Responsibilities

• Material Synthesis: Lead the synthesis and optimization of superconducting thin films and multi-layer heterostructures at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN).
• Device Fabrication & Testing: Participate in quantum device microfabrication (resonators and qubits) and conduct low-temperature electrical/cryogenic measurements.
• Advanced Characterization: Utilize synchrotron X-ray techniques (at NSLS-II) and electron microscopy to identify defects, interfaces, and loss mechanisms contributing to quantum decoherence.
• Structure-Property Feedback: Correlate material synthesis parameters with quantum device performance to establish fundamental structure-property relationships and improve qubit coherence.
• Collaboration & Dissemination: Work closely with cross-institutional C2QA partners, publish findings in high-impact scientific journals, and present at national/international conferences.

How to Apply

1. Visit the BNL Careers Portal.
2. Search for Job Requisition JR102619.
3. Complete the online application and upload the required documents:
   • Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a complete publication list.
   • Cover letter describing research experience, interests, and career goals.
   • Contact information for 3 professional references.

Last Date to Apply

• Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

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