Postdoctoral Researcher - Thin Film Deposition & Characterization Quantum

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27136

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Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher
- Thin Film Deposition & Characterization for Quantum Applications

The QCORE at Montana State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an active research program focused on molecular beam epitaxy ( MBE ) and characterization of thin films for quantum-relevant applications. Materials of interest include superconducting, magnetic, dielectric thin films and heterostructures relevant to quantum computing, quantum sensing, and related emerging technologies.

4C7149

Physics

College of Letters & Science

Research Professional

Fiscal Year

Exempt

Exempt from Collective Bargaining

1.0

Salary $65,000 - $70,000 annually, salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.

LOA

Open

QCORE’s primary objective is to empower Montana’s quantum ecosystem by uniting cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and community engagement - enabling breakthrough technologies that shape the future of quantum innovation. The vision of QCORE is to lead Montana’s transformation into a global powerhouse for quantum-enabled technologies by 2035, fostering economic growth, academic excellence and a resilient, future-focused workforce.
QCORE exists to steward the development of transformative quantum technologies in service to the common good. QCORE will help students plan for careers in quantum and quantum-enabling systems and will support transitioning into those careers through strategic partnerships with Montana’s growing quantum industry. Strategic partnerships serve as the mechanism for QCORE to strengthen relationships between industry, research and innovators - growing collaboration and creating shared opportunities for beneficial technology innovations.
The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, staff scientists, and graduate students to develop, grow, and characterize high-quality thin films, with the goal of understanding and controlling material properties that govern coherence, loss, and performance in quantum devices. This position will leverage the newly established MBE and cryogenic facilities at QCORE and integrate with existing characterization and fabrication teams and facilities at Montana State University.

• Access to leading-edge thin film growth, characterization, and fabrication facilities.
• A collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment spanning materials science, device physics, and quantum information science.
• Support for pursuing independent research directions within the scope of the group’s broader program.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conference travel, mentorship, and career guidance.

• Design, plan, and execute thin film growth experiments using molecular beam epitaxy ( MBE ).
• Characterize film structure, morphology, chemistry, and electrical/magnetic/optical properties using techniques such as XRD , XPS , AFM , SEM , ellipsometry, and low-temperature transport or microwave measurements.
• Correlate deposition parameters with structure, resulting material properties and determine the impact on quantum-relevant performance metrics.
• Maintain and optimize deposition and characterization equipment, and troubleshoot process or instrumentation issues as they arise.
• Analyze experimental data, maintain detailed and organized records/lab notebooks, and contribute to…