"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Materials Science for Quantum Information Applications"

Organization Overview

At BNL, the Energy & Photon Sciences (EPS) Directorate, as part of the multi-institute Co-design Centre for Quantum Advantage (C2QA) is working to accelerate the transformational advances in Quantum Information Science (QIS) that will create solutions for quantum-based technologies. Advances in QIS are the underpinning of transformational discoveries that rely on Brookhaven's data-driven research, cutting-edge synchrotron science, and leadership in QIS, which has led to a 5-year renewal of the center (https://www.bnl.gov/newsroom/news.php?a=122687). As part of the capabilities and science focus of the EPS, the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) is a state-of-the-art 3 GeV electron storage ring which operates as an international user facility. NSLS-II offers scientific and industrial researchers an array of instruments (beamlines) using x-ray, ultraviolet, and infrared light to enable discoveries across an array of scientific disciplines. This diversity lends itself well to the variety of important materials investigated by C2QA (BCS superconducting metals, diamond NV centers and other single atom technologies, and even Van der Waals materials).

Position Description

Working as a part of the Materials Thrust inside the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage (C2QA), the successful applicant will undertake synchrotron-based experiments at NSLS-II to help in the characterization, design, and advancement of the materials used in Qubit fabrication. Qubits are highly prone to errors because of interactions with their environment and defects in the qubit materials --atoms, ions, photons, or electrons--themselves. The successful applicant will work with researchers at NSLS-II, CFN, and other partner institutions within C2QA to understand these microscopic interactions, by using synchrotron-based spectroscopy and diffraction techniques and correlating the chemical, electronic, and structural variations with Qubit efficiency and stability measurements. For example, see recently highlighted work https://www.energy.gov/science/bes/articles/revealing-buried-layers-exploring-metal-substrate-interface-layer and additional work pending publication https://arxiv.org/html/2503.03168v1.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Spearhead a focused effort to enable cutting edge synchrotron science to make significant advances in QIS materials.
• Develop methods to collect & analyze X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Reflectivity (XRR) data and correlate these measurements to Qubit efficiency measurements to build structure-property relationships.
• Participate in the exploration of coherent X-ray scattering techniques to address QIS problems,
• Collaborate with a wide range of researchers across a variety of disciplines including, chemistry, energy & quantum materials, within BNL and externally.
• Publish and presents the results of these studies to the community.

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD degree in the Physical Sciences (Physics/Chemistry), Material Science or related field.
• Experience in synchrotron spectroscopy and diffraction/scattering techniques.
• Experience with Python Programming Language code development, model creation and fitting.
• Demonstrated record of scientific contribution through publications and talks in related fields.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse, discipline-spanning team of scientists and engineers

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Experience in two or more of the following:

• Experience with X-ray Spectroscopy (XPS and/or XAS).
• Experience with X-ray Reflectivity (XRR) and/or surface diffraction.
• Experience with X-ray Diffraction (XRD), ideally with powder and single crystal samples.
• Experience in developing methods to effectively collate data from a range of experimental techniques to gain better insight into the materials under investigation.
• Experience with material science, solid-state chemistry, or nanoscience
• Knowledge or experience with X-ray Resonant Scattering or coherent techniques

Additional Information:

• Occasional domestic and international travel (5%)
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $78,000 - $100,000/ year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
• 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.

Posted: 23-Jan-26

Location: Upton, NY

Type: Full-time

Internal Number: JR102203