Postdoctoral Fellow (PREP0004135)

Postdoctoral Research Associate (PREP)

Scanning SQUID Metrology for Superconducting Electronics

This Postdoctoral Research Associate position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP), which supports collaborative research between NIST scientists and researchers at PREP-affiliated academic institutions. The position is ideal for early-career researchers seeking to build an independent research profile while working at the forefront of superconducting electronics and quantum-enabled metrology.

Research Opportunity

Advancing Scanning SQUID Metrology for High-Speed Superconducting Circuits

The postdoctoral associate will conduct original research focused on developing advanced scanning superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry to study superconducting electronic systems. Core research directions include improving SQUID sensor performance, imaging and understanding flux trapping, and evaluating mitigation strategies in high-speed superconducting circuits.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and shape research directions, contribute to the design and construction of next-generation scanning SQUID instrumentation, and apply these tools to cutting-edge superconducting devices. Our group has deep expertise in microwave metrology, nanoscale device characterization, and superconducting circuit design, fabrication, and measurement.

Key Responsibilities and Opportunities

The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to:

• Lead scanning SQUID imaging studies of trapped flux, superconducting circuits, and novel devices
• Develop and optimize SQUID sensors and measurement techniques
• Design and perform high-speed electronic measurements (>10 GHz)
• Design and fabricate novel superconducting circuits and/or sensors using NIST's advanced cleanroom facilities
• Develop rigorous data analysis pipelines with appropriate statistical validation
• Publish results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present findings at major scientific conferences
• Collaborate closely with NIST scientists while maintaining scientific independence and ownership of research outcomes
• Contribute to documentation, software, and data archiving to support long-term impact of the work

Mentorship and Professional Development

This position provides strong mentorship from NIST staff scientists and is structured to support:

• Development of an independent research program
• A strong publication record
• Visibility within the superconducting electronics and quantum metrology communities
• Preparation for academic, national laboratory, or industry research careers

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field (completed or near completion)
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Evidence of scientific productivity through peer-reviewed publications
• Demonstration of hands-on experimental research experience with publication(s), e.g. description of experiments constructed, devices fabricated, etc.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with cryogenic measurements
• Experience with scanning SQUID imaging
• Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for data analysis and experiment control
• U.S. citizen preferred

Application Instructions

Please upload the following with your application:

• CV/Resume (*Please limit C.V to 3 pages only and ONLY include a valid email address for your contact info. Your resume will not be considered if the following information is included on your CV/resume: Self portraits, Phone number, Home address/Country, Citizenship status, Languages spoken, Sex/Gender*)