Postdoctoral Appointee - Epitaxial Oxide Nanostructures for Quantum Information

Argonne National Laboratory; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research facility in the United States is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to advance quantum information science through nanoscale materials research. The successful candidate will develop epitaxial oxide thin films and engage in materials synthesis and characterization using advanced techniques. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge science in a collaborative environment, offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed Ph.D. in a relevant field.
• Hands-on experience in epitaxial thin-film growth and characterization.
• Proficiency in thin-film characterization tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize epitaxial growth of complex oxide nanostructures.
• Perform thin-film and device characterization.
• Fabricate photonic and metamaterial structures.

Skills

Epitaxial thin-film growth

Nanofabrication

Data analysis using Python

Communication skills

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

XRD

AFM

SEM

XPS

TEM

COMSOL

Lumerical

Job description

Overview

The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) at Argonne National Laboratory seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary team advancing quantum information science through the design and synthesis of nanoscale epitaxial oxide thin films. This position supports a three-year Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project focused on developing scalable photonic platforms for hybrid quantum systems. The role offers a unique opportunity to engage in advanced materials synthesis, nanofabrication, and multimodal characterization using Argonne’s world-class resources—including the Autonomous Sputter Beam Epitaxy system, the QuEEN-M electron microscopy platform, and synchrotron X-ray beamlines at the Advanced Photon Source. This is an outstanding opportunity for candidates interested in the intersection of complex oxide epitaxy, quantum information, and nanophotonics to contribute to high-impact science at a national user facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize epitaxial growth of complex oxide nanostructures, especially ferroelectrics, via solid-phase epitaxy (SPE)
• Perform thin-film and device characterization across structural (XRD, AFM, SEM, XPS, TEM), optical, cryogenic, and synchrotron X-ray environments
• Fabricate photonic and metamaterial structures using advanced nanofabrication tools (e.g., lithography, dry etching)
• Contribute to the development and testing of electro-optic (EO) devices integrated with photonic and microwave platforms
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team across CNM, the Advanced Photon Source (APS), Materials Science Division (MSD), and Quantum Information Science (QIS) programs
• Disseminate results through high-impact publications and presentations at internal and external meetings

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Hands-on experience in epitaxial thin-film growth and characterization (oxides preferred), using sputtering (preferred), PLD, or MBE
• Proficiency in thin-film characterization tools such as XRD, AFM, SEM, XPS, TEM, etc.
• Experience with nanofabrication, particularly lithography and thin-film processing
• Strong background in ferroelectrics, photonics, or solid-state materials
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with synchrotron-based X-ray techniques and electron microscopy
• Experience with optical characterization and EO device testing
• Background in quantum devices, nonlinear optics, or microwave photonics
• Working knowledge of simulation tools such as COMSOL or Lumerical for electro-optic modeling

Desirable Skills

• Data analysis using Python
• Experience with autonomous or AI-assisted synthesis workflows
• Familiarity with quantum transduction or quantum information science

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter describing research experience and fit for the role
• Contact information for three references

Job Details

Job Family: Postdoctoral

Job Profile: Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type: Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type: Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. 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, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here (https://www.anl.gov/hr/healthcare-insurance) to view Argonne employee benefits!

Equal Opportunity and Safety

As an equal employment opportunity employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment and is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Positions may require, upon hire or in the future, obtaining a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.