Staff Scientist for OtaNano Quantum-Computing Infrastructure

Aalto University; Espoo; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalto University in Espoo, Finland is seeking a Staff Scientist to support the OtaNano Quantum-Computing Infrastructure. You will provide daily technical support, training and calibration for quantum hardware and software, while contributing to advanced quantum research and international collaboration.

The role blends hands-on operation, supervisory duties, and participation in grant applications. Strong cryogenics and low-temperature measurement expertise are essential, along with fluent

Qualifications

• PhD in physical/materials sciences/engineering/computer science or related fields.
• Experience in cryogenic technologies and superconducting qubits.
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB/Python or similar.
• Fluent English, good communication and teamwork.
• Experience with quantum computing toolkits (Qiskit/QuTiP/PennyLane/Quil).

Responsibilities

• Provide daily experimental and technical support for access to LTL facilities and the quantum computer.
• Train infrastructure users in tools and safe operational procedures.
• Develop and maintain technological and scientific capabilities in quantum tech.
• Keep infrastructure well-governed and accessible via partnerships and access programs.
• Perform calibrations and characterization measurements on quantum processor units.
• Ensure functioning and firmware updates of hardware; support upgrades.
• Engage in national and international funding applications related to quantum computing.
• Supervise and train doctoral and postdoctoral researchers using the infrastructure.
• Participate in high-level quantum research on superconducting qubits and related systems.

Skills

Cryogenics

Quantum computing

Numerical skills

English (fluent)

Communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD degree

Tools

Qiskit

QuTiP

PennyLane

Quil

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Staff Scientist for OtaNano Quantum-Computing Infrastructure

Aalto University

Espoo, Finland

Are you an expert in cryogenics, microwave and ultra-low-temperature measurement techniques and qubit-based quantum technology and devices? Would you like to work in an inspiring, world-class research environment? We are committed to ambitiously building a better world and offer you a chance to participate and contribute to realizing our vision as a member of our community.

Your role

Your main role is to provide daily experimental and technical support for research groups to access the LTL facilities, and the quantum computer in particular. The focus of your tasks may vary according to operational needs. The percentage allocations referenced below are indicative and may be adjusted. The job includes (but is not limited to):

Service tasks (approx. 55% of working time):

• Your main responsibility is to provide quantum-computer infrastructure users technical support for day-to-day operations, user training for the relevant tools and instruments, together with the needed methods and skills to allow research work in a safe and productive way.
• Development and maintaining technological and scientific capabilities, supporting the core fields of quantum technology.
• Opening infrastructure up further via established partnerships, agreements and access programs and ensuring that the infrastructure governance and management are suited best to fulfill the mission of the OtaNano Research Infrastructure.
• Help to maintain the equipment at optimum operational performance and provide established processes to guarantee daily operation of the infrastructure.
• Perform calibrations and characterization measurements of the quantum processor unit according to the specifications of the manufacturer.
• Ensure the functioning of the quantum computer and its hardware upgrades and firmware updates.
• Engage in international and national funding applications related to quantum computing.
• Active management and development of relevant OtaNano research infrastructure.

Participation in supervision and training of researchers (approx. 15% of working time):

• Supervision of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in using the infrastructure in their work and helping them to acquire advanced skills in quantum computing.
• Developing the infrastructure for teaching and training of researchers.

Research (approx. 30% of working time):

Participating in research conducted at the highest international level, pushing quantum technology to its limit or inventing and testing completely new approaches. This leads unavoidably to difficulties and failures where the experience of the Staff Scientist is required in identifying the required measures to solve the problem. The field of research should be primarily in the field of quantum computing and simulations, though may relate more generally to quantum technology with superconducting qubits, acoustic, and other hybrid quantum systems.

Your expertise

To succeed in this role, you’ll need a combination of strong technical skills, deep expertise in cryogenics, low temperature microwave measurement techniques, as well as capability and ambition for research and training. Since this is also a service position, it is important that helping others motivates you, and that you can easily get along with different kinds of people.

In more detail, you´ll need:

• Proven experience in cryogenic technologies and in controlling superconducting qubits and other devices based on them.
• Understanding of the operation principles of quantum computing and related hardware as well as demonstrable knowledge of quantum algorithms.
• Experience in equipment build-up, benchmarking, operation and maintenance.
• PhD degree in physical/materials sciences/engineering/computer science or related disciplines.
• Experience in microwave signal processing.
• Strong numerical skills especially in Matlab, Mathematica, Python or similar programming languages.
• Previous research experience with toolkits for quantum computing such as Qiskit, QuTiP, PennyLane, Quil, etc.
• Familiarity with the firmware of various control instruments.
• Excellent communication and cooperation skills.
• Strong organization skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluent oral and written skills in English, Finnish language not required.

We also value:

• Research experience in the fields of advanced low temperature physics and quantum computers/computing in general.
• Experience in operating a superconducting-qubit based quantum computer infrastructure and running quantum algorithms.
• Experience in classical supercomputing environments.
• Experience in equipment maintenance and instrumentation design.
• Experience in surveying and negotiating with international distributors globally for experimental equipment: electronics, mechanical parts, etc.
• Experience in training people to use delicate equipment.
• Experience in gate optimization and quantum circuit transpiling.
• Previous work or demonstrable interest and knowledge in applications of quantum algorithms to scientific or industry-driven research problems.