Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Computing, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Flexible work arrangements

On-site with telecommuting options

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to advance quantum information and sensing using trapped ion qubits. You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to test, develop, and optimize chip-based ion traps fabricated in-house at our MESA facility.

The role emphasizes experimental design, data analysis, and rigorous documentation, with an expectation to publish results and contribute to the department's innovation goals.

Qualifications

• PhD conferred within 5 years.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Teamwork in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform research and development in quantum information science using trapped ion qubits.
• Test and develop custom surface ion trap chips for in-house fabrication at MESA.
• Design and implement systems for delicate quantum experiments with maximum stability and flexibility.
• Use AI tools to increase productivity.
• On-site work is required; relocation assistance is provided for qualifying candidates.

Skills

Quantum information experiments

Ion trapping

Surface ion traps

Programming for experiments

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in physics or engineering

Job description

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Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Computing, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

Extraordinary co-workers

Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

Are you looking to solve problems of national interest with the resources of a National Lab?

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to be an exceptional quantum information scientist on our multi-disciplinary team. You will perform research and development in quantum information and quantum sensing using ions trapped with micro-fabricated/chip-based devices. You will work with a team to test cutting-edge quantum information ideas in a laboratory setting. You will design systems able to perform delicate quantum experiments with maximum stability and flexibility.

The Post-Doctoral Appointee Program is designed to recruit extraordinary Ph.D. applicants to assist a line organization meet its mission objectives and to provide a professional, technical work environment for you. On any given day you may be called on to:

Perform research and development in a laboratory focused on quantum information science using trapped ion qubits.

Work with a team to test and develop custom surface ion trap chips, which are manufactured in-house at our MESA facility.

Design and implement systems able to perform delicate quantum experiments with maximum stability and flexibility.

Perform work in a safe and compliant manner, seek out subject matter expert advice as needed, and maintain necessary documentation

Use AI tools to increase productivity.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant will be required to work onsite. Relocation provided for those that qualify.

Qualifications We Require:

A PhD in physics or engineering or relevant STEM discipline conferred within 5 years of start date

The ability to obtain and maintain a Q-level security clearance

Qualifications We Desire:

Experimental experience with quantum information science, i.e. ion trapping, neutral atom trapping, superconductors, semiconductors, impurities, etc.

Experimental experience with lasers, vacuum chamber construction, or cryogenics

Skills programming for experimental control software and data analysis

An established authorship and innovation record, such as peer-reviewed scholarly articles, patents, or technical books

A track record of successful execution of research-and-development projects, including project planning, defining milestones, and delivering results on time

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Teamwork skills for working in a multi-disciplinary team environment

Meticulous attention to detail

About Our Team:

The Photonic Microsystems Technologies Department exploits science and technology at the nano and micro scales to enable advances in systems for national security. Our engagement is with a broad spectrum of technologies and a diverse field of customers with a successful record of maturing technology from concept to laboratory demo to prototype. The department consists of teams that lead the development and understanding of quantum effects associated with silicon electronic devices, atomic and molecular gases, and trapped electrons, atoms and ions. Most significantly, with a strong presence in the Microsystems Engineering Sciences and Applications (MESA) facility and the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) and working broadly with other Sandia and external organizations, we fabricate electronic structures and devices that use these effects to achieve new levels of performance at the integrated system level. Core technology areas in the department include nanofabrication of silicon devices; electromagnetic modeling; and ion trap and solid-state quantum information science and technology.

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance:

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Position Information:

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

• Affordable housing, reasonable cost of living
• Minimal traffic congestion compared to larger cities
• At Sandia, recruiters manually review resumes on each job posting instead of using a resume screening software program
• By following the best practices outlined, this ensures that recruiters can accurately determine your qualifications for the position