Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division's Berkeley Accelerator Controls and Instrumentation (BACI) Program has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.

The focus of this role is to contribute to the rapidly evolving quantum computing technologies by developing the FPGA based control systems for a wide range of advanced qubit technologies, including the superconducting circuits, the neutral atoms and the trapped ions platforms.

In this exciting role, you will play a key role in advancing control and instrumentation systems for quantum computing which includes contributions to the advancement of the control systems, including hardware, FPGA gateware, embedded firmware and control software, for the Advanced Quantum Testbed (AQT) project and the Quantum System Accelerator (QSA) center. The role requires working with the researchers to execute quantum chip characterization and scientific quantum simulation using the designed control system.

What You Will Do:

• Participate in the continued development testing and performance improvement of the quantum bit control system (QubiC).
• Contribute to the design and implementation of modules in hardware, FPGA gateware, and software as needed to improve the system performance and scalability.
• Participate in exploring new technologies for the quantum bit control system.
• Participate in the implementation of new quantum characterization verification and validation (QCVV) protocols with the QubiC system.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Document and communicate the results of work in reports and oral presentations, including participation in meetings, reviews, conferences, and publications in refereed journals.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Assist in building and testing quantum computer control systems.
• Assist in developing and testing PCB boards.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related field within the last 3 years.
• Demonstrated research and development experience in one or more of the following technologies
  • The RF and electronics hardware design, including the printed circuit board design and testing and chassis to system design;
  • The FPGA gateware design and verification for qubit control signal processing on different FPGA chips;
  • The low-level software driver and API development.
• Demonstrated programming experience in Python and C/C++ or Verilog, SystemVerilog.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work productively independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with open source CAD programs e.g. KiCAD and FreeCAD.
• Familiar with Xilinx FPGA development tool chain and the open source simulation & verification (e.g. Verilator).
• Experience on Beam Instrumentation Development System (BIDS).
• Comfortable in a Linux environment.
• Knowledge of Rust.
• Knowledge of quantum information science and experimental and analytical experience.
• Knowledge of machine learning.

Notes:

• 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 Information: The monthly salary range for this position is $5,562 - $9,136 and is expected to start at $7,716 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 may be 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 will be primarily performed at:Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

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