Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory

Position Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Summary of

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Division of Materials Science and Engineering seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct experimental research on superconducting and magnetic quantum materials. The research will emphasize thin and ultrathin films, interfaces, and heterostructures, with particular interest in the superconducting order parameter, thermal and induced quasiparticles, two-level systems, the effects of controlled disorder and emergent phenomena in low-dimensional systems. The materials studied will include superconductors relevant to quantum information science as well as unconventional and candidate topological superconductors and selected magnetic quantum materials.

The central research goal is to develop and employ advanced magneto-sensing approaches to identify the mechanisms that cause dissipation and decoherence in superconducting quantum circuits, particularly transmon qubits. The postdoctoral researcher will learn, operate, improve, and help develop custom experimental techniques optimized for small-volume and thin-film samples. This will involve tunnel-diode resonators, real-space magneto-optical imaging, and quantum magneto-sensing using NV centers in diamond.

It will also include more conventional thermodynamic and transport measurements. The work will include planning and conducting experiments, critically analyzing experimental results and performing numerical calculations or simulations where appropriate. The researcher must be able to work both independently and collaboratively and to communicate effectively across condensed‑matter physics, materials science, and quantum information science.

• Ph.D. in experimental condensed‑matter physics, materials physics, applied physics, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field.

• Strong background in experimental superconductivity, magnetism, and quantum materials, effects of disorder and impurities, and low‑dimensional phenomena.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with low‑temperature experimental techniques, cryogenic systems, vacuum equipment, magnetic fields, low‑noise electronics, and precision measurements.
• Experience with dilution refrigerators and millikelvin measurements is strongly preferred.
• Experience developing, modifying, or constructing experimental apparatus. Particularly relevant experience includes AC susceptibility, radio‑and microwave measurements, magnetic penetration depth, optical magnetometry and magneto‑optical imaging.
• Experience with thin and ultrathin films, interfaces, and heterostructures is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with conventional materials‑characterization techniques and an understanding of the physical information they provide, including transport, PPMS and MPMS measurements, X‑ray or neutron scattering, and electron microscopy. Direct experimental expertise in these techniques is not expected.
• Experience with scientific programming, quantitative data analysis, numerical calculations and simulations using tools such as LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, Origin, COMSOL Multiphysics, or comparable scientific software.
• Interest in connecting fundamental materials physics with superconducting quantum information science, in particular the performance of superconducting qubits and microscopic mechanisms of decoherence such as two‑level systems, magnetic defects, surfaces, and interfaces.
• Prior experience working directly with qubits is advantageous but is not required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written reports, oral presentations, manuscripts, and interdisciplinary team discussions; collaborate with others; maintain accurate laboratory records; and meet project milestones.

Would you like to work for a National Laboratory that conducts world‑renowned research? Would you enjoy working on a beautiful university campus? Can you imagine yourself in a mid‑sized location that regularly ranks as one of the U.S. Best Places to Live?…