Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004135)

Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct pioneering research within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). The successful candidate will develop advanced scanning SQUID magnetometry techniques and work on high-speed superconducting circuits under a collaborative framework.

This role offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to shape their own research program, contribute to impactful publications, and participate in cutting-edge advancements in superconducting electronics.

Qualifications

• Completed or near completion of a PhD in a relevant field.
• Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications.
• Demonstrated hands-on experimental research experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead scanning SQUID imaging studies of trapped flux and superconducting circuits.
• Develop and optimize SQUID sensors and measurement techniques.
• Design and perform high-speed electronic measurements (>10 GHz).
• Collaborate with NIST scientists while maintaining independence.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

Hands-on experimental research experience

Experience with cryogenic measurements

Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages

Education

PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate (PREP)

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). The role supports collaborative research between NIST scientists and researchers at PREP-affiliated academic institutions, and is ideal for early‑career researchers seeking to build an independent research profile while working at the forefront of superconducting electronics and quantum-enabled metrology.

Scanning SQUID Metrology for Superconducting Electronics

The postdoctoral associate will conduct original research focused on developing advanced scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry to study superconducting electronic systems. Core research directions include improving SQUID sensor performance, imaging and understanding flux trapping, and evaluating mitigation strategies in high-speed superconducting circuits. The successful candidate will lead and shape research directions, contribute to the design and construction of next-generation scanning SQUID instrumentation, and apply these tools to cutting-edge superconducting devices. The group has deep expertise in microwave metrology, nanoscale device characterization, and superconducting circuit design, fabrication, and measurement.

Key Responsibilities and Opportunities

• Lead scanning SQUID imaging studies of trapped flux, superconducting circuits, and novel devices
• Develop and optimize SQUID sensors and measurement techniques
• Design and perform high-speed electronic measurements (>10 GHz)
• Design and fabricate novel superconducting circuits and/or sensors using NIST's advanced cleanroom facilities
• Develop rigorous data analysis pipelines with appropriate statistical validation
• Publish results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present findings at major scientific conferences
• Collaborate closely with NIST scientists while maintaining scientific independence and ownership of research outcomes
• Contribute to documentation, software, and data archiving to support long-term impact of the work

Mentorship and Professional Development

• Development of an independent research program
• A strong publication record
• Visibility within the superconducting electronics and quantum metrology communities
• Preparation for academic, national laboratory, or industry research careers

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field (completed or near completion)
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstration of hands-on experimental research experience with publication(s), e.g., description of experiments constructed, devices fabricated, etc.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with cryogenic measurements
• Experience with scanning SQUID imaging
• Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for data analysis and experiment control
• U.S. citizen preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. The university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. It provides qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors or demographic characteristics that are irrelevant to the program involved.