The Quantum Materials Group at the Center for Molecular Engineering (CME) and Materials Science Division (MSD) at Argonne National Lab (ANL) is looking for candidates to fill an assistant staff scientist position to help lead an effort exploring the spin physics of optically active point defects in wide-bandgap semiconductors and hybrid quantum systems. A successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team working with a group of scientists from Argonne, the University of Chicago, and the broader Q-NEXT scientific community, using qubits in solid-state systems for a wide range of research from quantum sensing to quantum communication applications.  

The candidate will primarily be responsible for:

• Developing novel approaches to materials characterization for quantum information processing

• Studying central spin and bath dynamics of defect quantum systems using many body physics approaches

• Investigating new host materials for solid-state spin qubits, including new spin defects

• Developing novel characterization and control techniques of quantum defect systems for specific quantum applications

• Exploring emergent quantum effects and interactions between various quantum materials in hybrid quantum architectures

The candidate will also be expected to develop collaborations with other scientists at Argonne and abroad, as well as mentor graduate students and post-doctoral students within the Quantum Materials group and collaborative groups at the University of Chicago. 

The candidate is expected to publish results in a refereed journal and make oral presentation at meetings, conferences, symposia, and seminars.  They are expected to maintain a knowledge of the latest developments in the field and related groups through interactions and collaborative efforts.  The candidate will also participate in proposal writing and maintaining technical reports and other documents associated with the operation of the optics lab, along with reports on experimental progress, technical developments, and new initiatives to peer reviews and program managers.

Position Requirements

Minimum Education / Experience Requirements:

A Ph.D. in Physics, Applied physics, Electrical engineering, or related field.

At least 3 years of post-doctoral experience in spin physics and quantum optics.

Additional Requirements:

Normal daytime work hours at the Argonne site, but occasional travel and some overtime/nighttime may be required. Ability to work without constant direction in the performance of routine tasks.

Considerable:

• Considerable knowledge and experience of spin and condensed matter physics is required

• Direct research experience in quantum material systems used for quantum information and quantum sensing protocols

• Considerable knowledge in quantum information, quantum characterization and control, as well as spin decoherence theory

• Direct experience with optics, and spectroscopy related to the study of optically active point defects in quantum materials

• Direct experience in semiconductor physics including charge and strain dynamics

• Considerable skills in scientific writing and oral communication

• Good collaboration skills and ability to work within a diverse and multidisciplinary environment

Desirable:

• Experience with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR, ODMR) and other spin characterization techniques

• Experience with automation and computer interfacing

• Experience with advanced data analysis using Python, Matlab, or equivalent

• Experience with microwave and electrical engineering

• Experience with telecommunication optics and optical fibers

RD 2: Bachelor’s and 5+ years, or Master’s and 3+ years, or Doctorate and 0 years, or equivalent

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