Quantum Postdoc Associate

Salary Range

$69,800.00 - $92,600.00

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship assistance referral bonus program.

Fermilab and the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to research in quantum sensing and superconducting quantum hardware. The successful candidate will work on experimental, theoretical, and modeling efforts related to cavity-based quantum platforms for fundamental physics and quantum information applications, including quantum-enhanced sensing, microwave and cryogenic measurement systems, and development of new quantum hardware and readout techniques.

The postdoctoral researcher will participate in the design, simulation, development, integration, and characterization of superconducting and microwave devices, systems, and protocols. Areas of work may include cavity-based quantum hardware, quantum-limited readout, precision measurements for weak-signal detection, quantum control and calibration, and the exploration of quantum sensing protocols that leverage techniques from quantum computing and quantum information science.

The successful candidate will be part of a highly collaborative team and will actively engage with Fermilab scientists, engineers, and external collaborators across sensing, quantum hardware, materials, and control.

• Conducting research in quantum sensing, superconducting quantum hardware, and related areas aligned with the Laboratory's mission.
• Designing, modeling, simulating, building, testing, installing, or commissioning new or upgraded elements of quantum experiments and hardware platforms.
• Contributing to the development of cavity‑based and microwave quantum systems for sensing and quantum information applications.
• Participating in experimental measurements, data acquisition, data analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Developing and studying quantum‑enhanced sensing and readout approaches, including methods informed by quantum computing and quantum information techniques.
• Presenting and publishing research outcomes in conferences and refereed journals.
• Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abiding by and being responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

• Appointees usually have recently completed their PhD, often within the last two years, or are expected to complete it within the current calendar year.
• PhD in Physics, Engineering, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Demonstrated potential to make contributions to the Laboratory that will subsequently qualify them for potential appointment as an Associate Scientist.
• Knowledge of quantum mechanics and a strong interest in quantum sensing and/or quantum hardware.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Self‑motivation and ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

• Experience with superconducting quantum devices, resonators, cavities, or microwave quantum systems.
• Experience with cryogenic measurements, quantum‑limited amplification, microwave electronics, or weak‑signal detection.
• Experience with modeling, simulation, design, and testing of superconducting or microwave devices and systems.
• Familiarity with quantum sensing experiments, precision measurements, and data analysis.
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation, circuit modeling, or numerical tools relevant to quantum hardware.
• Interest in the intersection of quantum sensing, superconducting hardware, and quantum information or quantum computing techniques.

Work arrangement is…