Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Materials

argonne; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory seeks a postdoctoral candidate to spearhead synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of diamond and other host materials for solid-state quantum spin defects. You will collaborate across Q-NEXT and Argonne group teams on growth, doping, surface termination, and deterministic defect synthesis.

You will mentor students and postdocs, publish results, and present at conferences while advancing state-of-the-art quantum materials research and knowledge sharing across

Qualifications

• Recently completed PhD in a relevant field (0–5 years).
• Experience in materials synthesis and fabrication for quantum information science materials, such as diamond and SiC.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for collaborative research and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead synthesis, growth, and characterization program for diamond and related materials for quantum information science.
• Develop and optimize surface termination and defect engineering techniques.
• Mentor students and fellow postdocs; contribute to publications and conferences.

Skills

PhD in relevant field

Materials synthesis & fabrication

Quantum information materials

Spectroscopy & microscopy techniques

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Safety & integrity

Education

PhD in relevant field

Tools

Diamond PE-CVD synthesis

Optical characterization

Job description

The Quantum Materials group at Argonne National Laboratory, in collaboration with the Argonne Quantum Foundry, a key component of Q-NEXT, seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to spearhead research and development efforts in the synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of diamond and other host materials along with its associated solid-state quantum spin defects.

As a key member of our interdisciplinary team, the candidate will work closely with both the Q-NEXT Argonne Quantum Foundry along with the Quantum Metamaterials group within the Materials Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory.

Your responsibilities will encompass pioneering novel synthesis doping techniques for "quantum grade" diamond, optimizing surface termination methods, and developing deterministic synthesis of pertinent defects.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the forefront of quantum materials science, with ample prospects for collaboration and professional growth.

The candidate will assume a primary role in spearheading the development of a comprehensive growth, synthesis, and innovative characterization experimental program specifically tailored to diamond for applications in quantum information science.

While focused on this core responsibility, the candidate will be encouraged to explore novel avenues of research that complement and enhance the group's overall objectives (e.g. spin characterization of host materials, silicon carbide synthesis for quantum information science, etc.).

Collaboration is a cornerstone of our approach, and as such, the candidate will work closely with fellow group members, as well as with research teams from the broader Argonne community, the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and our Q-NEXT partners.

In addition to research activities, the candidate will be expected to play a pivotal role in mentoring students and fellow post-docs on various material-centric projects, fostering an environment of knowledge sharing and skill development within the team.

Publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences, symposia, and seminars are essential components of this position.

Expected to effectively communicate their results and insights to both scientific peers and broader audiences.

Furthermore, maintaining awareness of state-of-the-art techniques and expertise within related research groups through active engagement and collaboration is crucial.

Critically, the candidate will contribute to the upkeep of technical reports documenting experiment progress, technique development, and new initiatives, providing valuable insights to peer reviewers and program managers alike.

Position Requirements

Required skills and qualifications:

• Recently completed PhD within the last 0-5 years in an applicable field
• Strong background in materials research for quantum information or sensing, preferably with practical experience.
• Proficiency in materials synthesis and fabrication, particularly with a focus on quantum information science materials like diamond and SiC.
• Extensive experience conducting experimental research on materials physics systems, utilizing advanced synthesis, fabrication, spectroscopy, or microscopy techniques.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, essential for effectively communicating research findings and collaborating within a team.
• Ability to collaborate effectiveely and thrive in a multidisciplinary environment, demonstrating strong teamwork skills.
• Dedication to materials development, optimization, and a solid grasp of the interplay between synthesis methods and observed material characteristics.
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork.

Preferred skills and qualifications:

• Experience with Diamond PE-CVD synthesis techniques, which would be advantageous for specific research objectives.
• Proficiencyin opticalcharacterizationofdiamondsurfacesandotherNV-decoherencemechanismsandproviding additional insights into material properties.
• Familiaritywith fabrication techniquesfordiamonddevicesincludingetchingandsynthesisofspindefects,etc..

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

WorkerType

Long‑Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Fulltime

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

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.

As an equal employment