Postdoctoral Research Associate Fabrication and Measurement of Novel Quantum Devices and Phenomena

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has immediate openings for one or more scientifically outstanding and highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to make and measure quantum-coherent devices from the previously technologically under-explored class of f-electron intermetallic materials with both fundamental and applied interest. These positions are in the Quantum and Strongly Correlated Electrons Team (SCES Team), which is part of the Materials Physics and Applications Division's Quantum Group (MPA-Q).

MPA-Q is a ~45-person, ~$25M, research and development organization focusing on the discovery, understanding, and exploitation of quantum phenomena in materials science, measurement, computation, and secure communications. The postdoc(s) will be expected to perform outstanding research as part of the SCES Team, which is focused on discovering and understanding new states of matter and developing novel sensors and quantum information science technologies from such new materials.

Our multifaceted, highly collaborative team, which includes capabilities in crystal growth, characterization, measurements under extreme conditions (high pressure and low temperature), nuclear magnetic resonance, photoemission, and neutron scattering, explores new physics through new materials. Our interests include (but are not limited to) unconventional superconductivity, topological matter, quantum entanglement, dark matter detection, and quantum sensing.

The postdoc will be expected to fabricate devices from intermetallic f-electron thin films and perform transport measurements at dilution fridge temperatures of the nano- and meso-scale devices they make. Devices of immediate interest include superconducting resonators, kinetic inductance detectors, low dimensional structures, wires, etc. The successful applicant will benefit not only from a highly interactive environment within our team but also from the close proximity of the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Pulsed Field pulsed magnetic field facility, and the strong theoretical condensed matter group at Los Alamos.

Related work in MPA-Q includes topological materials; atom trap-based experiment for quantum sensing, computing, and simulations; quantum communication and advanced networking; and ultrasensitive magnetic field measurement and magnetic resonance techniques for basic research and applied science. New directions include artificial intelligence for scientific discovery and mission-focused research. We seek highly motivated individuals who are passionate about physics to develop and explore new ideas about correlated electron materials.

Any inquiries about these specific openings and other opportunities within our group are welcome and should be sent to Filip Ronning (fronning).

• A strong background in experimental condensed matter physics, or a related field.
• Clean room fabrication experience, developing and optimizing thin film process flows, and experience with techniques such as wet and dry etching, plasma ashing, e-beam and/or photolithography, and wire bonding.
• Demonstrated ability to write peer reviewed publications, possess effective communication skills, and ability to work independently, creatively, and as part of a team.

Required Education and/or

Experience:

Position requires a Ph.D. in Physics or related field completed within the past five years or soon to be completed is required. The candidate will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of the appointment.

• Experience conducting experiments under extreme conditions, for example, low temperature, high magnetic field, and/or high pressure.
• Experience with RF and/or nanoscale transport measurements.
• Experience with superconducting devices
• Background in the physics of f-electron materials.
• Ability and inclination to contribute to a wide range of basic research and science programs as needs and opportunities evolve with time.

Work Location:

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security.

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic…