Staff Scientist - Nanofabrication Facility

Overview

The Molecular Foundry at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (LBNL) is seeking to hire a Staff Scientist in the Nanofabrication Facility. This individual is expected to develop and lead a research program in quantum phenomena focused on fundamental understanding and materials targeting breakthroughs in coherence and scalability for quantum computing and quantum sensing. Candidates at every level of experience are encouraged to apply.

This is an opportunity to join a vibrant research community dedicated to excellent science and international collaboration.

The Molecular Foundry is a national user center for nanoscale science — one of five Department of Energy Nanoscale Science Research Centers. It is a multidisciplinary research center at the forefront of nanoscale science, providing state-of-the-art expertise and instrumentation to a diverse, international community, drawing users from academia, national labs and industry. You will be able to establish a leading research program taking advantage of our collaborative, interdisciplinary center.

• Design and lead a robust individual research program related to the Molecular Foundry's research theme around materials for quantum science. This program will focus on fundamental understanding of quantum phenomena in materials targeting breakthroughs in coherence and scalability in quantum computing and sensing.
• Develop a thriving multidisciplinary user program, drawing from industry, academia, and national labs, through the development of unique expertise and capabilities. Provide users with support through your own efforts, hands-on and with your expert knowledge, in the area of nanofabrication.
• Manage research efforts surrounding the characterization and measurement of superconducting devices using the low-temperature and high magnetic field physical property measurement system, as well as ultra-low temperature dilution refrigerator measurement tools.
• Use the newly commissioned quantum information science cluster deposition system and low temperature materials characterization capabilities to develop world-class novel superconductor fabrication processes for next-generation superconducting quantum devices.
• Integrate results from materials deposition systems into unified data architectures enabling automatic characterization of superconducting thin films during growth.
• Combine in-process data, room temperature materials characterization, and low temperature material and device performance into fundamental datasets to enable machine learning models predicting key materials properties and process parameters for highly performant superconducting materials and device designs.
• Collaborate with other Foundry scientific staff to support users and participate in collaborative research efforts beyond the single laboratory.
• Prepare scientific data for publication in refereed journals and present findings at seminars and conferences.
• Supervise, mentor, and coach scientific and technical staff as appropriate.
• Provide technical direction to graduate students, postdocs, and research associates as appropriate, and assist in the management of research projects.
• Maintain a safe working environment and demonstrate respect for environmental protection, health and safety, and promote these aspects among staff and users of the Nanofabrication Facility.
• Maintain and develop a multidisciplinary and inclusive working environment using and building upon existing programs within the Molecular Foundry and Berkeley Lab.
• Share in user-related operations, maintenance/administration, and development responsibilities within the Nanofabrication Facility.

• Perform all of the duties above with a high level of independence and autonomy with demonstrated ability in translating research to high impact publications or patents for the above tasks.
• Maintain a portfolio of research funding external to the Molecular Foundry along with external domestic and international collaborations within the scope of the primary research responsibilities for the position.

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, or another discipline relevant to nanofabrication, nanotechnology and nanoscience.
• At least 5 years of professional experience with nanofabrication, including at least 3 years of experience relating to fabrication of superconducting circuits and/or qubit devices.
• Productivity in nanoscale materials research demonstrated by publications, talks at national and international meetings, and patents. At least one talk per year and two publications or patents per year.
• Ability and willingness to provide users with support through your own efforts, hands-on and with your expert knowledge, in the area of nanofabrication.
• Excellence in oral and written communication, with the ability to collaborate across multiple research groups and disciplines, and adaptability to different ideas and…