Senior Quantum Research Engineer

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

NIST is seeking a Senior Quantum Research Physicist to join the Advanced Microwave Photonics Group within the Applied Physics Division. The role focuses on experimental research in quantum information science and quantum computing using superconducting circuits and related devices.

Responsibilities include leading experimental work, device fabrication, and dissemination of results through publications and conferences.

Qualifications

• Must hold an Engineering degree or equivalent with ABET-accredited program.
• Strong background in quantum information science and superconducting devices.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex experimental research in quantum information science.
• Oversee design, fabrication, characterization, and measurement of superconducting quantum devices.
• Communicate findings through publications and conferences.

Skills

Experimental physics

Quantum information science

Superconducting circuits

Education

Engineering degree (ABET-accredited)

Job description

Summary

NIST is seeking a Senior Quantum Research Physicist to join the Advanced Microwave Photonics Group within the Applied Physics Division. This position focuses on experimental research in quantum information science and quantum computing using superconducting circuits and related devices. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Summary

NIST is seeking a Senior Quantum Research Physicist to join the Advanced Microwave Photonics Group within the Applied Physics Division. This position focuses on experimental research in quantum information science and quantum computing using superconducting circuits and related devices. This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Duties

As a Senior Quantum Research Physicist, you will lead complex experimental research in the field of Quantum Information Science. The Candidate will: Oversee the design, fabrication, characterization, and measurement of superconducting quantum devices and materials to advance quantum information science. Conduct a combination of basic and applied research to support the project objectives. Develop techniques to test, verify, and implement novel fabrication methods for quantum circuits. Contribute to experimental operations both in the laboratory and the cleanroom, including tasks related to cryogenics, microwave and transport measurements, material characterization, and cleanroom tool operation. Communicate scientific findings through publications and conference presentations.

Qualifications

Individual Occupational Requirements Basic Requirements: Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.

The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

• 1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
• 2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
• 3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
• 4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

AND Applicants must possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 grade level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as: Designing, producing, or measuring superconducting quantum devices. Leading high-impact research in quantum information science. Experience working with sub-kelvin cryogenic apparatus, microwave hardware, or cleanroom instruments. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. If requesting reconsideration of your qualification determination, please refer to the following site: Applicant Reconsideration