The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to research in superconducting circuits, qubits, and quantum sensing. This project focuses on the development of superconducting qubits and circuits for use in quantum sensing experiments. The successful candidate will design, fabricate, and characterize superconducting transmon qubits and related devices, with measurements performed in a millikelvin dilution refrigerator. The researcher will collaborate closely with team members and external partners to carry out quantum sensing experiments and to develop reinforcement learning approaches that improve qubit performance and operation. This work will leverage CNM’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities and capabilities, including the CNM cleanroom for nanofabrication and the dilution refrigerator in the Quantum Matter and Device Lab for low‑temperature quantum experiments. The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative research team and work closely with scientists at Argonne, the University of Chicago, and partner institutions. Candidates should have a strong background in experimental physics, engineering, or a related field. Experience in qubit control and measurement, superconducting circuits, nanofabrication, and low‑temperature experiments is strongly preferred.
Position Requirements:
Recent or soon‑to‑be‑completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in field of experimental physics, physics, engineering, or a closely related field
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment
Background in quantum experiments, including qubit control and entanglement
Understanding of quantum coherence
Expertise in quantum device design, fabrication, and characterization
Familiarity with AI‑assisted measurements
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Preferred Qualifications:
Expertise in microwave and/or optical device characterization and measurement
Proficiency in dilution refrigerator operation and cryogenic measurement techniques
Familiarity with cryogenic, optical, and microwave instrumentation
Working knowledge of quantum information science
Experience with AI‑assisted measurements/experiments
Start Date We are looking to fill this position as early as Fall 2026, with flexibility in start date for a highly qualified candidate.
Job Family Postdoctoral Job Profile Postdoctoral Appointee Worker Type Long-Term (Fixed Term) Time Type Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department. All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case‑by‑case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment. Interested in translating science into innovation? Build your career at Argonne. At Argonne, we view the world from a different perspective. Our scientists and engineers conduct world‑class research in clean energy, the environment, technology, national security and more. We’re finding creative ways to prepare the world for a better future.
