Quantum Device and Circuit Postdoctoral Researcher

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to participate in research developing quantum devices utilizing superconducting and quantum materials for applications in quantum computing and quantum sensing. The research will also include a cross-division appointment with the Nuclear & Chemical Sciences (NACS) Division for studying the implementation of such detectors for use in axion dark matter detection experiments. You will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary team responsible for conducting and supporting research to develop and characterize the performance of quantum amplifiers utilizing topological materials. You will also conduct research contributing to the design and testing of superconducting RF cavities. The position is in the Nanoscale, Surface, and Interface Science Group within the Materials for Emerging Applications and Extreme Conditions section of the Materials Science Division in the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Design and conduct transport and microwave spectroscopy experiments characterizing the performance of microwave devices including amplifiers and superconducting circuits in cryogenic systems.
• Characterize superconducting thin films and devices to support the development of quantum devices and microwave circuits.
• Design and evaluate superconducting quantum devices and circuits, including device layouts, materials integration, and performance characterization.
• Develop data acquisition tools to integrate multiple instruments for measurements.
• Analyze experimental data to determine the performance of microwave devices, such as Josephson parametric amplifiers, traveling wave parametric amplifiers, and circulators.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team across LLNL and external partners, integrating experimental findings as appropriate.
• Develop and present written analyses and verbal briefings that capture and communicate research results as well as periodic progress reports.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences, seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in superconducting materials and device applications.
• Experience in coding with python for data acquisition/processing.
• Experience in microwave engineering and cryogenic device design.
• Advanced analytical and organizational skills.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills necessary to deliver presentations and prepare written reports, explain technical information, and provide advice to management.
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact with a diverse set of scientists, engineers, and other technical and administrative staff within a collaborative research environment.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience developing python-based data acquisition and analysis software.
• Familiar with instruments used in microwave device measurement, such as network analyzers and signal generators.
• Experience with designing experiments for operation in dilution refrigerators.

Pay Range

$123,048 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

How to identify fake job advertisements

Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under “Find Your Job” of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.

To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

California Privacy Notice

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.