Staff Research Associate

Join our team at the Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, to advance Quantum Information Science (QIS) by investigating the fundamental mechanisms of amorphous superconductivity and developing high-performance materials for next-generation superconducting qubits.

About the Role

This position leads a multi-modal research effort combining high-resolution Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) and Spectroscopy (STS) with correlative microscopy techniques to align electronic data with atomic-scale structural motifs via Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). You will provide technical leadership to a small team of PhD students, integrating sample fabrication, AI-driven data analysis, and ARPES measurements at the Advanced Light Source (ALS).

Responsibilities

• Perform low-temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopic mapping, including time-resolved Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy using a THz STM.
• Conduct hyperspectral STS mapping over large scales using an MLA spectrometer and map the electronic superconducting band gap.
• Coordinate the setup of a state-of-the-art glove box for air-sensitive sample preparation.
• Prepare samples enabling STM/STS mapping and subsequent TEM studies on the same sample at the same position.
• Oversee AI-driven analysis of correlation microscopy measurements.
• Collaborate with the Molecular Foundry and UC Santa Barbara teams to fabricate superconducting qubits from amorphous superconducting samples.
• Summarize research findings in manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Supervise PhD students and collaborating postdoctoral researchers.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science.
• Proven expertise in performing and interpreting STM/STS measurements.
• Experience with air-sensitive sample preparation and maintaining vacuum integrity for superconducting materials.
• Demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects from data acquisition to publication.

Skills

• Technical Facility Management: Experience operating and maintaining glovebox systems for high-purity material preparation.
• Advanced Data Analysis: Expertise in MLA-based spectroscopic mapping and machine learning analysis of large, multi-dimensional datasets.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Prior experience supervising or mentoring PhD students, with a focus on project coordination and technical guidance.

Pay

The expected salary range for this union-represented position is $96,264 – $122,688, with a full salary range of $96,264 – $149,124, depending on skills, knowledge, abilities, education, certifications, and experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time, term appointment lasting 1 year and 9 months, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a career appointment based on performance, funding, and operational needs. Work will be primarily performed on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire; visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role is subject to a background check.