Associate Scientist - Quantum Information Science

Job ID

5901

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

The Fundamental Physics Directorate (FPD) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks candidates at the Associate Scientist level with a proven track record of scientific achievement in quantum information science to develop, fabricate, and test novel and/or improved qubit architectures in the growing Quantum Information Science (QIS) program at SLAC. This will include helping to commission new tools in the SLAC quantum foundry, part of the Detector Microfabrication Facility (DMF), for quantum device fabrication, and growing expertise at SLAC in this new field for the laboratory. In particular, we are looking for a scientist who can help define the direction for our quantum program and start novel programs to grow expertise in superconducting and spin qubits at SLAC. The staff member will have access to cryostats in DMF and the SLAC Millikelvin Facility (SMF), and is expected to collaborate with groups on Stanford campus to share fabrication and testing resources.

The program currently consists of a superconducting device foundry funded by QNEXT, a part of the National Quantum initiative, as well as PI-funded efforts at the intersection of particle physics, accelerator physics, and applied physics. In particular, the superconducting device foundry was established to support detector fabrication for HEP as well as general fabrication of superconducting qubits, and the candidate will be expected to take a leading role in the quantum side of this mission, developing recipes and designs for high-coherence devices using the new tools in DMF. The successful candidate will help direct independent projects within the QIS focuses of the lab, lead their science missions with hands-on work and mentorship, and grow the program by identifying future opportunities in qubit architecture development that the lab is positioned to contribute to. The candidate will also be expected to work in conjunction with researchers from Stanford campus to build on and expand synergies with work at SLAC.

Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Development of fabrication processes in DMF and in the Stanford fabrication facilities to support general goals of the quantum fabrication program as well as specific goals of their individual projects.

• Support of ongoing operations for SMF, including help managing DR run scheduling, payload coordination, and expansion of measurement capabilities to novel devices.

• Development of the goals and focus of new QIS focus areas at SLAC, centered around developing new architectures for superconducting or spin qubit technologies

• Growth of the base funding in QIS at SLAC to support their own program by the end of the Associate Scientist appointment – in particular growing support for QIS outside of DOE/HEP

• Mentorship of postdoctoral research associates and graduate students and oversight of engineering and technical staff.

Note: This position is at the Associate Scientist (Tier 2) level. The Associate Scientist is a 3 to 5 year fixed term research staff position. The Associate position is assessed after the 3 to 5 year period with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level. Appointment to the Associate Scientist level requires a review and evaluation of documented scientific achievement.

Applicants should include a cover letter, a statement of research including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and three reference letters with the application.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Ph.D. in physics, applied physics or related field.

• Two years of relevant experience in fabrication and testing of superconducting or spin qubits.

• Demonstrated knowledge with the standard tools for fabrication, packaging, and testing of novel qubit designs.

• Effective communication and writing skills to prepare and present technical and scientific documentation.

• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity through publications.

• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population.

• Demonstrated ability to carry out independent research and collaborate in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience developing new types of fabrication methods.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in tri-layer junction fabrication.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with semiconducting spin qubits.

• Track record of publication in novel qubit architectures.

• Experience operating and maintaining dilution refrigerators.

• Familiarity with DOE-funded national laboratory research.

SLAC Competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.

• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1—General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

Classification Title: Associate Scientist

Duration: Fixed Term

Grade: K

Job code: 1092

The expected pay range for this position is $115,000 to $171,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.