Diamond Growth Postdoc for Quantum Networking

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to establish single-crystal diamond CVD growth as a new capability at CNF. The role focuses on developing homoepitaxial diamond growth using a plasma-enhanced CVD reactor and integrating with diamond color centers for quantum networking.

The successful candidate will perform growth optimization, material characterization, and documentation, mentor students, and collaborate with CNF staff and other postdocs.

Qualifications

• PhD in materials science and engineering, physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, chemistry, or a related field by the start date.
• Hands-on research experience with crystal or thin-film growth (CVD/PECVD/MOCVD/MBE) and operating relevant process equipment.
• Experience characterizing crystalline materials and developing or optimizing experimental processes.
• Strong documentation, communication, and collaboration skills; ability to work safely in a shared research facility.

Responsibilities

• Develop homoepitaxial diamond growth processes with low background nitrogen and controlled incorporation.
• Systematically optimize substrate preparation, sample mounting and thermal contact, gas purity, and growth temperature.
• Characterize grown material using X-ray diffraction, microscopy, and SIMS; relate growth to NV centers.
• Document processes and transfer reproducible recipes to CNF staff; coordinate with fabrication and integration efforts.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and communicate findings through publications and presentations.

Skills

Crystal growth

Thin-film growth

CVD

PECVD

MOCVD

MBE

Documentation

Collaboration

Education

PhD in materials science and engineering / physics / applied physics / electrical engineering / chemistry

Tools

Plasma-enhanced CVD reactor

X-ray diffraction

Secondary ion mass spectrometry

Job description

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to establish single-crystal diamond CVD growth as a new capability at CNF. The role focuses on developing homoepitaxial diamond growth using a plasma-enhanced CVD reactor and integrating with diamond color centers for quantum networking.

The successful candidate will perform growth optimization, material characterization, and documentation, mentor students, and collaborate with CNF staff and other postdocs.