Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Materials

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory’s Quantum Materials group seeks a postdoctoral researcher to lead R&D in synthesis, fabrication, and characterization of diamond and related host materials for solid‑state quantum spin defects. You will work closely with the Q-NEXT Argonne Quantum Foundry and other Argonne groups on growth, surface termination, and deterministic defect synthesis.

You will mentor students and fellow postdocs, publish findings, and present at conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD completed within the last 0–5 years in a materials/physics field.
• Strong background in materials research for quantum information or sensing.
• Experience with diamond and SiC materials synthesis.
• Experience with advanced synthesis, fabrication, spectroscopy, or microscopy techniques.
• Excellent written and spoken communication; able to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Lead synthesis, doping, and characterization experiments for diamond and related materials.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to advance quantum materials goals.
• Mentor students and postdocs; contribute to training and knowledge sharing.
• Publish results in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.

Skills

Diamond synthesis

Materials synthesis

Quantum information science

Sensing materials

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Materials Science

Tools

Diamond PE-CVD

Optical characterization

Spectroscopy

Microscopy

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 effectively 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 observable 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.
• Proficiency in optical characterization of diamond surfaces and other NV-decoherence mechanisms, offering additional insights into material properties.
• Familiarity with fabrication techniques for diamond devices, including etching, and synthesis of spin defects, which would enhance experimental capabilities and contributions to the field.

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 $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 opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, 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. Argonne 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 particular 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.

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