Physicist / Applied Physicist - Entry Level

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Quantum Information and Integrated Nanosystems Group at a leading laboratory develops cutting-edge quantum systems. The physicist role involves hands-on lab work, tackling novel physical challenges, and collaborating with a diverse team of experts. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, a broad skillset, and experience in experimental setups. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in quantum information processing and precision timekeeping.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401K

Paid leave (vacation, sick, parental, etc.)

Tuition reimbursement programs

Mentorship programs

Work-life balance options

Qualifications

• Hands-on lab experience with optics, electronics, and cryogenics.
• Experience with scientific programming languages (MATLAB, Python).
• Willingness to work on various tasks and learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Test and measure laboratory systems including lasers and cryogenics.
• Program for experimental control and data analysis.
• Engage in hardware development and system engineering.

Skills

Programming

Test and Measurement

Fundamental Physics Modelling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics or Applied Physics

Tools

Optics

Oscilloscopes

MATLAB

Python

SolidWorks

Job description

The Quantum Information and Integrated Nanosystems Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops quantum systems, including theory, engineering, and control, to address critical future technology needs. Areas of focus include developing superconducting qubits for quantum computing, trapped ions for quantum information and precision time keeping, integrated photonics, and solid-state quantum sensing. The group’s innovative research is supported by on-site state-of-the-art fabrication tools, close partnership with universities and industry, extensive test and measurement infrastructure, and daily collaboration with the 1700+ Ph.D-level scientists within Lincoln Laboratory.

Job Description

MIT Lincoln Laboratory seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented, curious, and driven physicist, applied physicist, or researcher in a related field with hands-on lab experience. The successful candidate will join a close-knit, dynamic team pushing the forefront of quantum information processing and precision time keeping using trapped ions. As an active participant in cutting-edge research and development, the candidate can expect to face novel physics problems that require creative solutions on a daily basis.

Applicants should have a broad skillset and a willingness to work on a wide variety of tasks as needed. Typical tasks include:

• Test and measurement of laboratory systems, including lasers, optics, electronics, cryogenics, vacuum
• Programming for experimental control and data analysis
• Fundamental physics modelling of quantum systems
• Hardware development, design, and construction
• System engineering and system integration

While a broad set of skills is desired, the majority of day-to-day tasks will be tailored to the applicant's specific interests and strengths. Applicants should be comfortable working both independently and closely with a highly integrated team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, or related field
• Basic laboratory experience (e.g., familiarity with optics, oscilloscopes, basic programming, etc.)
• Comfort with fundamental physical concepts and rigorous analytical analysis
• Experience in self-directed and group technical projects and research endeavors
• Experience with a scientific programming language, such as MATLAB, Mathematica, Python, etc.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with free-space and fiber optics, lasers, etc.
• Familiarity with ultra-high vacuum and cryogenics
• General-purpose programming (e.g., Python)
• CAD design (e.g., SolidWorks)

Familiarity with experimental quantum, atomic, or molecular physics is not required but is a plus.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• And much more!

For more information, as an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of various programs and resources.