Requisition Id 10790 

Overview: 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Quantum Heterostructures Group. In this role, you will conduct research at the intersection of quantum information science and fundamental materials science. You will probe photon-vortex interactions in superconducting quantum devices at the single photon scale, and you will probe the emergence of spontaneous time-reversal symmetry breaking in candidate topological superconductors using squeezed magneto-optical spectroscopies. You will have access to a mK microscopy platform for optical interrogation of quantum systems, to variable temperature quantum sensing platforms, and a dilution refrigerator optimized for dc and rf transport of quantum devices.

This position is supported by the Materials Sciences and Engineering (MSE) Program and by the Department of Energy Quantum Science Center (QSC), a National Quantum Information Science Research Center. You will engage with collaborators across the MSE program at ORNL and with QSC researchers across a network of universities, national laboratories, and industry in highly collaborative research efforts.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

The expected duties and responsibilities include some but not necessarily all of the following: 

• Participate in research probing spatially resolved single-photon interactions in superconducting devices, including, but not limited to, explore optical interactions with vortices in topological superconductors, and probe spin fluctuations and spontaneous time-reversal-symmetry breaking in emerging topological materials with quantum-optical probes capable of suppressing measurement noise below the shot noise limit.
• Maintain and perform research with closed cycle dilution refrigerators operating at mK temperatures.
• Deliver science to DOE funded programs.
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.
• Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics, materials science, or a related field completed within the last 5 years
• Experience in experimental quantum sensing and/or quantum device physics

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in experimental quantum sensing and/or quantum device physics
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory 
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Please provide a list of publications when applying for this position.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You can upload these directly to your application or have them sent to postdocrecruitment@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be for up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and the availability of funding.

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at jobs.ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.