Postdoctoral Appointee - Experimental Quantum and Semiclassical Sensing

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

The Multiscale Fabrication Science & Technology Development Department, 5229, is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to perform experimental investigations of quantum and semiclassical devices through measurement in cryogenic environments. Microfabricated devices of interest include superconducting quantum bits (qubits) and transition-edge-sensors. Multiple cryogenic systems are employed for these investigations covering the temperature range from tens of milliKelvin to several Kelvin.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Configure experimental data acquisition and analysis including hardware and software.
• Perform cryogenic measurement of microfabricated quantum and semiclassical devices.
• Overcome, improvise, and adapt to challenges encountered in experimental research.
• Interact collegially and effectively with others in order to enable the desired experiments.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and publications based on experimental results.

We seek a self-motivated experimentalist to advance existing projects while advancing their career through peer-reviewed publications and presentations as well as internal and external interactions. Previous experience with cryogenic measurement is desired but not required. Candidates without cryogenic measurement experience but with non-cryogenic measurement experience and generic experimental acumen, as well as a desire to learn the art of cryogenic measurement, will be considered.

Due to the nature of the experimental work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field conferred within five (5) years prior to employment
• Ability to acquire and maintain a DOE L clearance
  

• Experience performing DC through RF electrical measurement of devices in cryogenic systems
• Understanding of and experience with superconductivity and superconducting devices
• Familiarity with the fabrication techniques and materials used for superconducting devices
• Familiarity with and interest in quantum information science and quantum sensing
• Familiarity with radiation detection and radiation interactions in matter
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Presentations at technical conferences or meetings
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills including attention to detail
  

The Multiscale Fabrication Science & Technology Development Department leverages a diverse capability set to provide science and technology products to enhance Sandia's national security missions. The department includes a broad set of expertise including atomic physics, quantum information S&T, micro-optics, and electrochemistry. We provide solutions including atomic physics based sensors; microfabrication at the atomic scale, atomic level experimental setups, atom and ion trapping microelectronic devices, and electrochemical materials expertise. In addition to work for internal Sandia organizations, we have an established record of successful engagement, collaboration, and delivery to both internal and external customers. The department leverages strong relationships with the Microsystems Engineering Sciences and Applications (MESA) facility, the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), and other internal and external organizations to develop advanced solid-state electronic device technology.

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
• Extraordinary co-workers
• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
• Generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.