Joint Faculty​/Associate Scientist

Position: Joint Faculty / Associate Scientist
The expected hiring range for this position is
$89,300.00-$.

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.

Joint Fermilab - Illinois Tech Faculty/Scientist Position

Experimental Superconducting Quantum Devices
The Department of Physics at Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory invite applications for a joint faculty/scientist position in Experimental Superconducting Quantum Devices.

This is a joint 50/50 appointment between Illinois Tech and Fermilab intended to strengthen collaborative research, student training, and shared research infrastructure in superconducting quantum science and technology. The appointment may be made at the Assistant Professor/Associate Scientist level or, in exceptional cases, at the Associate or Full Professor/Senior Scientist level, depending on qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date is August 2026.

Fermilab hosts the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS), one of the U.S. Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, and supports world-class facilities in superconducting quantum materials, 2D superconducting qubits, and 3D SRF cavity-based quantum systems ("qudits"). Illinois Tech and Fermilab seek an outstanding experimental scientist who will contribute to an internationally recognized research program that advances superconducting quantum devices and strengthens the growing quantum ecosystem between the two institutions.

Research Areas of Interest

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Superconducting qubits and quantum circuits
• 3D SRF cavity qudit systems
• Quantum coherence and loss mechanisms
• Superconducting materials and interfaces
• Quantum device fabrication and packaging
• Cryogenic and microwave measurement systems
• Device characterization and quantum control
• Materials and process integration for superconducting quantum technologies

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Research and Scientific Leadership

• Conduct high-impact research aligned with Illinois Tech and Fermilab strengths in superconducting quantum materials and systems.
• Lead or contribute to collaborative research initiatives involving universities, national laboratories, industry, and federal agencies.
• Publish research results in leading peer-reviewed journals and present invited talks at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to major proposal development, center-scale initiatives, and strategic quantum science activities.

Teaching and Mentorship

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and quantum science at Illinois Tech.
• Mentor Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate researchers.
• Develop research and training opportunities connecting Illinois Tech students with Fermilab facilities, scientists, and programs.
• Contribute to curriculum development and interdisciplinary education initiatives in quantum science and technology.

Collaboration and Institutional Engagement

• Engage closely with SQMS and related Fermilab programs in superconducting quantum science.
• Help strengthen shared infrastructure and collaborative research activities between Illinois Tech and Fermilab.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and intellectually ambitious research environment.
• Participate in departmental, laboratory, and professional service activities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field by the start date.
• Experimental research experience in superconducting quantum devices or closely related areas.
• Demonstrated record of research productivity and scientific achievement.
• Ability to contribute effectively to teaching, mentoring, and collaborative research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in superconducting qubits, SRF cavities, quantum circuits, superconducting resonators, or related quantum platforms.
• Experience with cryogenic systems, microwave engineering, device fabrication, cleanroom processing, materials characterization, or quantum measurements.
• Demonstrated success in securing external research funding (expected for senior candidates).
• Experience leading collaborative or interdisciplinary research programs.
• Interest in developing long-term research and workforce development partnerships between Illinois Tech and Fermilab.

Joint Appointment Structure
The appointment will be shared approximately equally between Illinois Tech and Fermilab, with specific responsibilities and reporting structures defined through the joint appointment agreement. The successful candidate will have opportunities to access advanced research facilities and collaborate broadly across the SQMS ecosystem and associated Fermilab programs.

About Illinois Tech
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