Research Scientist, Qubit Readout at Google Goleta, CA

Google; Goleta (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Google Quantum AI in Goleta, CA seeks a Research Scientist, Qubit Readout to set up large‑scale tests, deploy ideas quickly, and address challenges across physics, electrical engineering, and software.

You will design experiments, develop readout hardware and software, publish results with collaborators, and contribute to an automated calibration and characterization system supporting scalable quantum devices.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Experience designing, constructing, or maintaining scientific apparatuses (e.g., cryostats, microscopes, electronics).
• Experience working across multiple disciplines (fabrication, electronics, software, cryogenics, modeling, measurement).
• Experience using software for scientific apparatus control and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Characterize readout and reset performance in superconducting qubit devices.
• Write software implementing characterization experiments and integrate with automated calibration systems.
• Conceive and develop readout and reset hardware.
• Communicate scientific results to the Quantum AI team and broader community.
• Review literature and conferences to identify advances for faster, larger‑scale readout.

Skills

Scientific instruments

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Data analysis software

Education

PhD in physics or electrical engineering

Tools

Instrumentation control software

Job description

About the Role

Research Scientist, Qubit Readout at Google, located in Goleta, CA.

Google Quantum AI’s mission is to build a large‑scale computer capable of complex, error‑corrected computations that unlock solutions to classically intractable problems. Our roadmap focuses on advancing quantum computing capabilities and enabling meaningful applications.

As a Research Scientist, you will set up large‑scale tests, deploy promising ideas quickly, manage deadlines and deliverables, and apply the latest theories to develop new products, processes, or technologies. You will create experiments and prototype implementations, design new architectures, and work on real‑world problems that span computer science disciplines such as machine learning, data mining, natural language processing, hardware and software performance analysis, compiler improvement for mobile platforms, core search, and more.

You will actively contribute to the research community by sharing and publishing findings, inspired by internal projects as well as collaborations with partner universities and technical institutes worldwide.

Minimum qualifications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Experience designing, constructing, or maintaining scientific apparatuses (e.g., cryostats, microscopes, electronics, sample packages, microwave signal chains, optical setups).
• Experience working across multiple disciplines (fabrication, electronics, software, cryogenics, modeling, measurement) to support project goals.
• Experience using software for scientific apparatus control and data analysis.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with microwave, RF, optoelectronic, optomechanical, or optical control or measurement.
• Experience with control or characterization of quantum devices.
• Experience with cryogenic or vacuum environments and equipment.
• Experience with design and layout of microfabricated devices.
• Experience publishing in scientific journals or presenting at conferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Characterize the performance of readout and reset in superconducting qubit devices and collaborate with theorists to model their behavior.
• Write software implementing characterization and other experiments, and work with automation experts to integrate that software into a mainline automated calibration and characterization system.
• Conceive of and develop readout and reset hardware.
• Communicate scientific results to the Quantum AI team and to the broader scientific community.
• Investigate and report on technological advances from academia and elsewhere that may enable faster, more accurate, and larger‑scale readout and reset through conferences and literature reviews.

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $141,000‑$202,000 plus bonus, equity, and benefits. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location, and individual pay is further influenced by experience and qualifications.

Google is an equal‑opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or criminal history, consistent with legal requirements.

We also consider qualified applicants who have a need for accommodation. Please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form.