Project Scientist - Superconducting Materials & Interfaces (Quantum)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Project Scientist - Superconducting Materials & Interfaces (Quantum) within the Molecular Foundry division. This position will lead materials development efforts aimed at improving superconducting qubit performance for the Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This term appointment, expected to last up to five years contingent on funding, will focus on the growth and characterization of superconducting materials using the QIS cluster tool from Angstrom Engineering, located in the Foundry’s Nanofabrication cleanroom. The work will investigate the bulk and interfacial properties of standard and novel superconducting materials on substrates of varying composition and purity, with an emphasis on applying Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and Atomic Layer Etching (ALE) to refine material interfaces and assess their impact on qubit performance.

We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

You will:

Combine the in-process data, room temperature materials characterization, and low temperature material and device performance into fundamental datasets characterizing the key materials properties and process parameters that lead to highly performant superconducting materials and device designs.

• Develop ALD and ALE recipes for material interface improvement on the QIS cluster tool at the Molecular Foundry.
• Collaborate with other Foundry scientific staff members to provide scientific support for users and create and participate in collaborative research efforts beyond the single laboratory effort.
• Prepare scientific data for publication in refereed journals; and present findings at seminars and conferences.
• Maintain a safe working environment and demonstrate respect for environmental protection, health and safety, and help instill those aspects in all staff and users of the Nanofabrication Facility.
• Drive design-of-experiments linking ALD/ALE variables to interface loss and qubit coherence metrics; maintain version-controlled process recipes and meta-data.
• Establish SOPs for tool qualification, contamination control, and data integrity across shifts.
• Mentor postdocs and users on safe nanofab practices and device test handoffs.

We are looking for:

Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering, or a related field relevant to nanofabrication, nanotechnology, or nanoscience—or equivalent work experience in one or more of these areas. A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience. Hands-on experience in fabrication and cleanroom processes, including nanolithography, photolithography, plasma etching, physical deposition, e-beam evaporation, magnetron sputtering, ALD, and ALE.

Proven experience fabricating superconducting devices such as qubits, SQUIDs, resonators, Josephson junctions, or kinetic inductors. Skilled in interpreting X-ray and TEM data for material structure and composition analysis. Strong communication skills, collaborative mindset, and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated commitment to safety protocols and fostering a positive safety culture in the laboratory.

Desired skills/knowledge:

Experience with atomic layer deposition.:

Ability to interact with a wide and diverse range of scientists from all over the world. Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated leadership in safety culture.

Experience with qubit-relevant dielectrics and superconductors (e.g., Al, Nb, TiN, NbN, amorphous dielectrics) and substrate prep on high-purity wafers.:

Cryogenic device measurement familiarity to interpret materials-to-device correlations. Statistical analysis or MLOps for process-property modeling consistent with team science and stewardship values.

Additional information:

Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by December 16, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed. Appointment type: This is a full-time 3 year, term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years. Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The expected salary for this position is $102,800 - $131,200, which fits into the full salary of $97,900 - $223,100 depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.

Background check: This position is 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

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.