Research Associate

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 in Batavia, Illinois is seeking a Research Associate for the Quantum Division, focusing on cutting-edge research in quantum technologies. The ideal candidate will possess experimental expertise in AMO or quantum-sensing and have strong problem-solving skills.

This onsite role offers various perks including medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement benefits, fostering an environment for scientific innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• PhD completion or expected completion within the current calendar year.
• Ability to design measurements and turn scientific questions into actionable plans.
• Experience analyzing complex laboratory experiments with cold atoms.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research related to overall mission of the Laboratory.
• Perform duties assigned by supervisor.
• Comply with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Experimental AMO or quantum-sensing expertise

Independent experimental problem solving

Scientific communication

Laser cooling or atom interferometry experience

Scientific computing

Simulation and statistical analysis

Education

Completion of PhD or expected to complete within the current calendar year

Tools

Python

C++

Julia

UNIX/Linux

Git

Job description

Pay range: $69,800.00-$92,600.00. This is a general guideline. The actual pay will be determined based on scope, responsibilities, qualifications, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role

Under general direction and in consultation with more experienced scientists, the Research Associate, Quantum Division conducts research related to the overall mission of the Laboratory. Research may be within any scientific or technology development activity of the appointee’s Division.

What You’ll Bring

• Experimental AMO or quantum-sensing expertise: Experience operating, troubleshooting, and analyzing complex laboratory experiments involving cold atoms, lasers, optics, or related systems.
• Independent experimental problem solving: Ability to design measurements, identify systematics, and turn open-ended scientific questions into actionable experimental or analysis plans.
• Scientific communication: Strong written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through publications, presentations, documentation, or collaboration work.
• Demonstrated potential to make meaningful contributions to the laboratory that support future consideration for appointment as an Associate Scientist.

Additional Skills That Will Set You Apart

• Laser cooling or atom interferometry experience: Familiarity with laser-cooled atoms, optical clocks, single-photon atom optics, atom interferometry, or frequency-stabilized lasers.
• Scientific computing: Experience with Python, C++, Julia, UNIX/Linux, bash, git, data analysis, or reproducible scientific software workflows.
• Simulation and statistical analysis: Experience developing simulations, systematics models, signal-inference tools, or analysis pipelines for complex experiments.

Core Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success

• Completion of PhD or are expected to complete within the current calendar year.

Work Arrangement

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

Benefits/Perks

• 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.