Entry-Level Scientist (Q-NEXT)

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview

Q-NEXT (https://q-next.org/) is a multi-institutional organization dedicated to advancing quantum information science. As a co-leading institution, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory plays important primary roles in Q-NEXT including serving as a superconducting quantum foundry with a dedicated newly constructed ISO 5 (Class 100) cleanroom. SLAC's Detector Microfabrication Facility (DMF) has begun installing its suite of tools optimized to produce some of the most advanced quantum sensors and devices in the world with well-controlled, high-yield, high-Q processes.

The Q-NEXT Department at SLAC is seeking outstanding candidates to establish a high-functioning team of scientists and engineers dedicated to the task of developing and refining superconducting fabrication processes and cryogenic testing capabilities. Treating fabrication as an experimental process and the cleanroom as a high-tech laboratory, the ideal candidates have a strong desire to solve long-standing superconducting fabrication challenges by creating new techniques and standards.

Your Specific Responsibilities Include

• Assist in superconducting fabrication for high-yield quantum devices
• Contribute to process development for fabrication of quantum devices
• Support metrology and detailed analysis of fabrication data
• Participate in cryogenic testing of superconducting devices with dilution refrigerator and microwave electronics
• Assist in understanding device physics through correlation of cryogenic and in-situ measurements
• Contribute to training and developing fabrication teams for higher throughput operation
• Provide hands-on customization and troubleshooting of fabrication tools
• Support the publication of scientific papers and presentations of findings at conferences
• Collaborate with outside scientists and engineers to develop fabrication and testing plans
  
  

Note: This is a 24-month fixed term position with the possibility of extension or conversion to regular continuing position contingent on project fundings and business needs.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• BS, MS, or equivalent in physics, applied physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, or related fields with relevant experience in superconducting device fabrication
• Fundamental knowledge and practical experience with clean room tools, vacuum system hardware, and supporting systems
• Basic experience with cryogenic systems and superconducting device characterization testing for fabrication process development
• Familiarity with process development and optimization, metrology, and device characterization methods
• Experience with quantum bits, parametric amplifiers, resonators, kinetic inductance detectors, transition edge sensors, SQUIDs, or similar devices is a plus
• Effective communication and writing skills for preparing and presenting technical and scientific documentation
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse population
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment
  
  

SLAC Employee Competencies

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.
  
  

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work full time.
  
  

Work Standards

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1¿General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu
  
  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Classification Title: Entry-Level Scientist

Grade: I

Job Code: 1091

Duration: Fixed Term

The expected pay range for this position is $90,000 to $143,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.