Quantum Postdoctoral Researcher for 3D Cavity Quantum Hardware

Fermilab; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 69,800 - 92,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Account

Paid time-off

Life insurance

Short and Long-term disability insurance

Retirement benefits

Onsite day care

Job summary

Fermilab is seeking a Quantum Postdoctoral Research Associate to advance research in superconducting quantum hardware. Responsibilities include conducting independent research on 3D cavity-based quantum systems and collaborating with a team of scientists.

The ideal candidate will possess a recent Ph.D. and contribute to both experimental and theoretical aspects of next-generation quantum technologies. The position offers competitive compensation, benefits, and is located in the Batavia office.

Qualifications

• Recently completed PhD in relevant field, or expected to complete within the year.
• Strong background in quantum mechanics and experimental techniques.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in superconducting quantum hardware.
• Design and characterize new elements of quantum experiments.
• Contribute to the development of quantum processors.

Skills

Quantum mechanics expertise

Experimental physics

Electrical engineering knowledge

Superconducting quantum circuits

Ability to communicate effectively

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or related field

Tools

Cryogenic measurement techniques

Microwave electronics

Job description

Compensation

The expected hiring range for this position is $69,800.00-$92,600.00. Pay offered will be based on scope, responsibilities, qualifications, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position may offer relocation and is a fixed term of three years.

About the Position

The Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) at Fermilab seeks a Quantum Postdoctoral Research Associate – 3D Cavity Quantum Hardware to support critical research within the center. The role focuses on advanced superconducting quantum hardware, especially 3D cavity‑based quantum processing units and ultra‑coherent superconducting cavity platforms for quantum information processing. The successful candidate will conduct independent research under guidance from senior scientists, contributing to the development, measurement, control, and integration of next‑generation quantum systems, and help maintain technical continuity for key SQMS deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in superconducting quantum hardware, with emphasis on 3D cavity‑based quantum processing units, bosonic modes, qudits, and circuit QED systems.
• Design, simulate, build, install, commission, and characterize new or upgraded elements of superconducting quantum experiments, including ultra‑coherent 3D cavities, ancilla qubits, tunable couplers, microwave control and readout hardware, filters, interconnects, and cryogenic measurement systems.
• Develop and implement experimental techniques for quantum control, readout, calibration, and characterization of multimode superconducting quantum systems.
• Contribute to the development of large‑dimensional bosonic qudits and multimode quantum processors for quantum computing, HEP‑relevant quantum simulation, and hardware‑efficient quantum information processing.
• Participate in data acquisition, conduct analysis, develop models and simulations, and present or publish outcomes at conferences and or in refereed journals.
• Contribute to research directions relevant to bosonic quantum information processing, modular superconducting quantum architectures, error‑detected or error‑corrected operations, quantum interconnects, and related quantum sensing applications.
• Work collaboratively with Fermilab scientists, engineers, technicians, students, postdocs, and external collaborators across the SQMS Center.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Abide by all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success

• Appointees usually have recently completed their PhD (often within the last two years) or are expected to complete it within the current calendar year.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Demonstrated potential to make contributions that qualify for appointment as an Associate Scientist.
• Strong background in quantum mechanics and experimental physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or related fields.
• Knowledge of superconducting quantum circuits, microwave resonators, circuit QED, quantum measurement, or related quantum hardware platforms.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a highly collaborative research environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively through written reports, presentations, publications, and technical discussions.
• Self‑motivation, scientific curiosity, and interest in developing next‑generation superconducting quantum hardware platforms.

Additional Skills That Will Set You Apart

• Experience with superconducting qubits, 3D cavities, microwave resonators, bosonic modes, qudits, tunable couplers, or related superconducting quantum systems.
• Experience with cryogenic microwave measurements, quantum control, microwave electronics, RF engineering, or low‑temperature experimental techniques.
• Experience with multimode quantum control, bosonic encoding, qudit operations, error‑detected operations, or quantum processor calibration.
• Experience with device modeling, electromagnetic simulation, circuit simulation, Hamiltonian modeling, or numerical analysis of quantum systems.
• Experience with experimental automation, calibration, data acquisition, and data analysis.
• Interest in the intersection of superconducting quantum computing, bosonic quantum information, modular quantum architectures, and HEP‑relevant quantum applications.

Work Arrangement

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from the Batavia office.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Account.
• Paid time‑off.
• Life insurance.
• Short and Long‑term disability insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Onsite day care.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.