Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Sensing of Quantum Materials

Requisition Id 11833 

Overview: 

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Quantum Heterostructures Group. In this role, you will conduct research at the intersection of quantum information science and fundamental materials science. The research program is focused on applying today’s quantum resources to probe emerging quantum materials that may enable the next generation of quantum technologies. For instance, you will use squeezed light to suppress photon shot noise in magneto-optical microscopies, enabling quantum enhanced measurements of spontaneous time reversal symmetry breaking with non-perturbative squeezed-vacuum readout fields.  You will use ensemble spin-defects in hBN to probe magnetic phase transitions and spin fluctuations in 2D magnets and quantum spin liquids at temperatures of 50 mK to 300 K. You will also use a new scanning nitrogen-vacancy-center microscope to probe magnetic order and spin fluctuations with nanoscale spatial resolution. You will closely collaborate with a team that includes condensed matter theorists, experts in thin film and single crystal materials growth and characterization, and experts in quantum sensing and quantum networking.

This position resides in the Quantum Heterostructures Group, Materials Science and Technology (MST) Division, Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

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

• Contribute to the integration of quantum optical resources into cryogenic confocal microscopes.
• Probe spontaneous time-reversal symmetry breaking using magneto-optical and quantum optical probes.
• Probe magnetic ordering and spin fluctuations using spin-based quantum sensors.
• Maintain and perform research with cryogenic optical microscopes.
• 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.
• Previous research experience in experimental quantum information or quantum materials science.
• Strong command of Python and data analytics techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with spin-based or squeezed quantum sensors.
• Experience with dilution refrigeration.
• Experience with microwave electronics.
• Strong programming and data visualization skills.
• A strong record of productive and creative research proven by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at major conferences.
• 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

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.

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

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits include: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@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.