Research Associate - Quantum Device Fabrication

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 51,000; Part time

Job summary

The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Research Associate to advance its quantum program through hands-on fabrication and characterization of superconducting devices. You will work in a cleanroom with e-beam evaporators, SEMs, lithography systems, and wet benches to refine qubit fabrication recipes and perform cryogenic measurements.

This part-time, 20 hours/week, 1-year term appointment offers an opportunity to develop specialized nanofabrication skills in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in physics, engineering, materials science, or related field.
• At least 1 year of hands-on experience in a research or cleanroom environment.
• Hands-on cleanroom experience and familiarity with listed fabrication tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative research setting.

Responsibilities

• Perform day-to-day fabrication of superconducting devices for the quantum program.
• Develop and refine recipe workflows for qubit fabrication.
• Operate in a cleanroom using e-beam evaporators, SEM, lithography, and chemical benches.
• Assist with cryogenic characterization to measure device performance.
• Maintain accurate records and document processes for reproducibility.

Skills

Cleanroom experience

Qubit fabrication

Cryogenic measurement

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, materials science, or related field

Tools

E-beam evaporators

SEM

Lithography systems

Wet chemical benches

Job description

The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is seeking a Research Associate to support its quantum research program through hands‑on fabrication and characterization of superconducting devices. Working alongside experienced researchers, this individual will use advanced cleanroom equipment, help refine qubit fabrication processes, conduct experimental measurements, and contribute to scientific research aimed at advancing quantum technologies. This is an opportunity for an early‑career technical professional to develop specialized nanofabrication skills within a collaborative national laboratory environment.

The Molecular Foundry is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science user facility that provides users from around the world with access to state‑of‑the‑art expertise and instrumentation in nanoscale science. Joining our team means contributing directly to cutting‑edge research in quantum materials and device engineering within a highly collaborative scientific community.

You will:

• Perform day‑to‑day fabrication of superconducting devices in support of the Foundry's quantum program.
• Support the development and refinement of recipe workflows for qubit fabrication.
• Work in a cleanroom environment using tools such as e-beam evaporators, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), lithography systems, and wet chemical benches.
• Assist with cryogenic characterization using a PPMS and dilution refrigerator to measure superconducting device performance metrics.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, sample tracking, and process documentation to support reproducibility across fabrication runs.

We are looking for:

• Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, materials science, or a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Demonstrated 1 year, hands‑on experience in a research, laboratory, cleanroom, or related technical environment.
• Hands‑on experience working in a cleanroom environment.
• Familiarity with e-beam evaporation, SEM, lithography, and chemical bench processing.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative research or laboratory environment.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience with cryogenic measurement systems.
• Familiarity with experimental data collection and analysis using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar scientific tools.

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by November 17, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a part‑time (20 hours/week) 1‑year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary range: The expected hourly range for this position is $28.78 - $36.69, which fits into the full hourly range of $28.78 - $44.59 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be performed onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information).
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information,