Postdoctoral Research Associate on Fabrication and Measurement of Novel Quantum Devices and Phenomena

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance — PPO or High Deduct

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with matching + employer match

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedules and PTO

Onsite gyms

Relocation packages

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) invites applications for postdoctoral researchers to make and measure quantum-coherent devices from f-electron intermetallic materials. The role is within the SCES Team of MPA-Q, focusing on new states of matter, quantum sensing, and devices at dilution refrigerator temperatures.

The position offers access to world-class facilities (CINT, high-field labs) and interdisciplinary collaboration with theory groups. Onsite work in Los Alamos, NM is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed.
• Experience with device fabrication and transport measurements.
• Ability to publish and communicate findings; work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate devices from intermetallic f-electron thin films.
• Perform transport measurements at cryogenic temperatures.
• Collaborate with LANL facilities and theory groups.
• Support development of quantum sensing and information technologies.

Skills

Condensed matter physics

Publications

Communication

Teamwork

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

Wet etching

Dry etching

Plasma ashing

E-beam lithography

Photolithography

Wire bonding

Job description

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has immediate openings for one or more scientifically outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to make and measure quantum-coherent devices from the previously technologically under-explored class of f-electron intermetallic materials with both fundamental and applied interest. These positions are in the Quantum and Strongly Correlated Electrons Team (SCES Team), which is part of the Materials Physics and Applications Division's Quantum Group (MPA-Q). MPA-Q is a ~45-person, ~$25M, research and development organization focusing on the discovery, understanding, and exploitation of quantum phenomena in materials science, measurement, computation, and secure communications. The postdoc(s) will be expected to perform outstanding research as part of the SCES Team, which is focused on discovering and understanding new states of matter and developing novel sensors and quantum information science technologies from such new materials. Our multifaceted, highly collaborative team, which includes capabilities in crystal growth, characterization, measurements under extreme conditions (high pressure and low temperature), nuclear magnetic resonance, photoemission, and neutron scattering, explores new physics through new materials. Our interests include (but are not limited to) unconventional superconductivity, topological matter, quantum entanglement, dark matter detection, and quantum sensing.

The postdoc will be expected to fabricate devices from intermetallic f-electron thin films and perform transport measurements at dilution fridge temperatures of the nano- and meso-scale devices they make. Devices of immediate interest include superconducting resonators, kinetic inductance detectors, low dimensional structures, wires, etc. The successful applicant will benefit not only from a highly interactive environment within our team but also from the close proximity of the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Pulsed Field pulsed magnetic field facility, and the strong theoretical condensed matter group at Los Alamos. Related work in MPA-Q includes topological materials; atom trap-based experiment for quantum sensing, computing, and simulations; quantum communication and advanced networking; and ultrasensitive magnetic field measurement and magnetic resonance techniques for basic research and applied science. New directions include artificial intelligence for scientific discovery and mission-focused research. We seek highly motivated individuals who are passionate about physics to develop and explore new ideas about correlated electron materials. Any inquiries about these specific openings and other opportunities within our group are welcome and should be sent to Filip Ronning ([e-mail]).

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• A strong background in experimental condensed matter physics, or a related field.
• Clean room fabrication experience, developing and optimizing thin film process flows, and experience with techniques such as wet and dry etching, plasma ashing, e-beam and/or photolithography, and wire bonding.
• Demonstrated ability to write peer reviewed publications, possess effective communication skills, and ability to work independently, creatively, and as part of a team.

Required Education and/or Experience: Position requires a Ph.D. in Physics or related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed is required. The candidate will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience conducting experiments under extreme conditions, for example, low temperature, high magnetic field, and/or high pressure.
• Experience with RF and/or nanoscale transport measurements.
• Experience with superconducting devices
• Background in the physics of f-electron materials.
• Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic research and science programs as needs and opportunities evolve with time.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2

Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

*Eligibility requirements

To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

No Clearance

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Internal Applicants

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.