Quantum Information Science Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Co-Design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) at BNL coordinates a team of leading experts from national laboratories, academic institutions, and industry partners to address challenges facing scalable quantum computing and provide breakthroughs to strengthen U.S. leadership in quantum information science and technology. The C2QA scientific mission is to deliver advances in materials science and modular architectures that enable scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing and quantum-limited sensing.

About the role

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 establish connections between direct material characterization and device performance. 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.

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.
• Collaborate with researchers across the C2QA partnership and disseminate your research through publications, conference presentations, and collaborative reports.
• Demonstrate commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.

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.

Skills

• 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.

Additional Information

This is a 2-year Postdoc Assignment. BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness, or other life-changing events.

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $71,900 - $82,400 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education, and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Benefits

Brookhaven National Laboratory offers a comprehensive employee benefits program. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program.