Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Optics and Sensing, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories, located in New Mexico, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Appointee in the Quantum Optics and Sensing group at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT). The role focuses on solid-state defect centers for quantum information and sensing, performed onsite at the CINT facility.

You will collaborate with staff, postdocs, and students, develop quantum sensing capabilities, and contribute to instrumentation and data analysis within the Quantum Materials

Qualifications

• PhD in a related physical science field.
• Proficiency in Python, data analysis, instrumentation, and hardware development.
• Demonstrated research achievements, evidenced by technical publications and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize quantum sensing capabilities for the study of quantum materials, specifically solid‑state defect centers.
• Conduct research in nitrogen‑vacancy quantum sensing and scanning probe microscopy.
• Investigate quantum control and detection of single photon emitters, including characterization of new quantum defects in semiconductors such as diamond and silicon.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams within the Quantum Materials Systems thrust at CINT.
• Maintain and develop instrumentation, hardware, and data analysis tools.

Skills

Python programming

Data analysis

Instrumentation

Hardware development

Education

PhD in physics / optics / electrical engineering / materials science

Job description

Postdoctoral Appointee – Quantum Optics and Sensing (Onsite)

Sandia National Laboratories is seeking one or more postdoctoral appointees to join our quantum optics and quantum sensing group at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) in New Mexico. The group focuses on discovering and utilizing solid‑state defect centers in wide bandgap semiconductors for quantum information and quantum sensing applications.

Overview

The selected candidate will work closely with a team of staff, postdocs, graduate students, and technologists who are experts in quantum information sciences, solid‑state single photon emitters, and nitrogen‑vacancy magnetometry. Work must be performed onsite at the CINT facility.

Responsibilities

• Develop and utilize quantum sensing capabilities for the study of quantum materials, specifically solid‑state defect centers.
• Conduct research in nitrogen‑vacancy quantum sensing and scanning probe microscopy.
• Investigate quantum control and detection of single photon emitters, including characterization of new quantum defects in semiconductors such as diamond and silicon.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams within the Quantum Materials Systems thrust at CINT.
• Maintain and develop instrumentation, hardware, and data analysis tools.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, or a related physical science field.
• Proficiency in Python programming, data analysis, instrumentation, and hardware development.
• Demonstrated research achievements, evidenced by technical publications and presentations.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong background in physics of materials.
• Experience with quantum sensing using nitrogen‑vacancy defects or similar quantum defects.
• Experience in quantum control of single quantum defects in diamond or similar semiconductors.
• Experience in scanning probe microscopy.
• Background in optics and building optical systems.

Security Clearance

• Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, requiring U.S. citizenship. Holders of multiple citizenships may have limited eligibility.
• Pre‑employment drug testing and background review will be conducted to meet DOE security requirements.

EEO Statement

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