Quantum Devices Postdoctoral Fellow

Berkeley Lab's Applied Mathematics Computational Research Division (AMCR) has an immediate opening in the Quantum Information Science and Technology Group (QuIST) for a Quantum Devices Postdoctoral Fellow under the programs of Advanced Quantum Testbed (AQT) and Quantum System Accelerator (QSA). The primary goal of the position will focus on materials and electric field engineering of circuits to improve the coherence of superconducting qubits, including the optimization of electromagnetic design and development of new fabrication techniques and metrology. The position will have access to the state-of-the-art superconducting circuit fabrication facility, quantum measurement lab, and advanced material characterization tools at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The position will also be on the team for development and fabrication of multiqubit, multilayer quantum processor unit (QPU), where the result of Josephson junction engineering will be implemented.

You will:

• Electromagnetic simulation of qubit circuits with novel designs to achieve high coherence qubits.

• Fabrication process development and optimization to improve device materials and characterize the performance of superconducting qubit devices.

• Fabrication of multiqubit, multilayer quantum processor developed at Berkeley Lab.

• Improve the performance of superconducting devices, with emphasis on qubit lifetime and gate fidelity in multi-quit devices.

• Present and publish experiment results in internal and external meetings and journals.

• Support and lead the collaboration projects with quantum computing industrial partners.

Desired Duties:

• Mentoring graduate students.

• Support or lead writing including but not limited to program reports, grants, and papers.

We are looking for:

• Ph.D. degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience in Cleanroom/nanofabrication processes, preferably in e-beam lithography, thin-film deposition, and plasma etching.

• Knowledge of quantum information science related to one or more of the responsibilities/research areas in the following:

  • Quantum computing

  • Microwave circuit simulation (e.g. EM solvers, network analysis) and design (circuit routing and mask layout, .gds, .dxf, etc.)

  • Microwave or cryogenic measurement

• Relevant publication record and demonstration of proficient written and verbal presentation of scientific results.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

• Ability to mentor and direct the work of students.

• Willingness to occasional traveling to collaborators' sites and conferences.

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Experience in superconducting qubits

• Experience using Python based programming tools

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans

• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program

• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!

• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.

• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

• Pet insurance

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by February 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a full-time, 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.

• Salary range: The salary range for this position is $6,924 - $8,026 and is expected to start at $6,924 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.

• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work modality: Work may be performed on-site, hybrid, full-time telework. The primary location for this role is Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Work must be performed within the United States. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

• Union Represented:This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.