Organizational Overview

Led by Brookhaven Lab, the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C²QA) is one of five National Quantum Information Science (QIS) Research Centers awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct basic research in QIS. Comprising more than 20 national labs, research centers, universities, and industry, the C²QA team aims to overcome the performance limitations of current-generation quantum computers. Through software-hardware co-design, they will work toward achieving quantum advantage—the point at which a quantum computer outperforms a classical one on a useful task—for computations in high-energy and nuclear physics, chemistry, materials science, condensed matter physics, and other fields. Their quantum co-design efforts target three research thrusts: software and algorithms, devices, and materials.

Position Description

The holder of this position will carry out experimental research in quantum information science within C²QA and be stationed at Princeton University under the scientific direction of Professor Andrew Houck.   The position provides rich opportunities for close collaboration within C²QA with materials scientists, physicists and chemists in the Materials thrust and with experimentalists in the Devices thrust working on quantum information processing with superconducting circuits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and test novel superconducting qubits with intrinsic protection against errors.
• Explore the integration of novel qubits with 3D microwave cavities to be used as ancilla for new approaches towards bosonic error protection.
• Explore materials limits on quantum coherence, and work with materials scientists throughout C2QA to correlate coherence and materials measurements..
• Act as a bridge between different thrust areas, disciplines and institutions within the diverse C²QA team.

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in an experimental physical science or related engineering discipline
• Knowledge of quantum devices and/or materials science
• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional team environment
• Good scientific writing and oral presentation abilities, and publication experience.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with the fabrication of superconducting qubits
• Familiarity with quantum devices and measurement

OTHER INFORMATION:

• The holder of this position will be primarily stationed at Princeton University but expected to interact and collaborate regularly (virtually and pandemic conditions permitting, in person) with C²QA team members at Brookhaven National Laboratory and other institutions.

BNL policy requires that research associate appointments be made to individuals who have received their doctorate within the past five years.

At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave)
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation:  Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Ping Pong, Softball, Tennis)

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.