Research Associate - Quantum Device Fabrication

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 61,000; Part time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Molecular Foundry seeks a Research Associate to support its quantum program by fabricating and characterizing superconducting devices. You will work hands-on in a cleanroom, refine qubit fabrication recipes, perform cryogenic measurements, and contribute to ongoing quantum materials research in a collaborative national lab setting.

This part-time 20-hour weekly role offers opportunities to develop specialized nanofabrication skills, with onsite work at

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Hands-on fabrication

Laboratory teamwork

Attention to detail

Safety-consciousness

Education

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

Tools

E-beam evaporation

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Lithography

Wet chemical benches

Cryogenic measurement systems

Python/MATLAB/LabVIEW data analysis

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:

• 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.
• 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!

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.