Iowa State University
Just Landed
2 days ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ames National Laboratory Iowa State University in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Electrical Engineering
Funding
Postdoctoral position on a 12-month full-time appointment with pay grade Post Docs; salary is commensurate with qualifications.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
United States
University
Iowa State University
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
The Division of Materials Science and Engineering at Ames National Laboratory, located on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, Iowa, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for experimental work at the intersection of quantum sensing, superconducting circuits, and low-temperature condensed-matter physics.
The project investigates the microscopic origins of low-frequency magnetic and electric noise in superconducting quantum circuits, with a particular focus on transmon qubits. The researcher will use nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as local, magnetically selective probes to study the noise environment of device surfaces, interfaces, and thin films. The work is aimed at identifying the physical mechanisms that contribute to 1/f flux and charge noise and at quantifying how much qubit decoherence is magnetic in origin.
The role combines NV-based noise spectroscopy, including spin relaxometry and dynamical-decoupling measurements, with static-field ODMR magnetometry and standard transmon characterization on the same devices, in the same cryostat and cooldown. The successful candidate will help commission a new cryogen-free dilution-refrigerator platform that integrates confocal optical access and NV positioning with filtered microwave wiring for qubit control and dispersive readout.
Research activities include optimizing diamond sensor geometry and NV depth, developing pulse sequences and measurement protocols, building analysis pipelines, and designing methods to isolate the qubit from optical and microwave excitation during NV readout. The project also includes systematic study of light-induced quasiparticle effects and complements the group’s existing tunnel-diode resonator quasiparticle spectroscopy. The postdoctoral researcher will plan experiments, analyze noise spectra, model fluctuator ensembles, and perform numerical calculations or simulations where appropriate.
The position sits within a national-laboratory environment focused on foundational science and applied research, with close links to the broader materials, quantum sensing, and quantum information science ecosystem at Ames.
Funding details
Postdoctoral position on a 12-month full-time appointment with pay grade Post Docs; salary is commensurate with qualifications.
What's required
Ph.D. in experimental condensed-matter physics, applied physics, quantum science and engineering, atomic, molecular and optical physics, materials science and engineering, or a closely related field. Preferred experience includes NV centers or other optically addressable spin defects, ODMR, pulsed microwave spin control, confocal microscopy, single-photon detection, shallow NV sensing, T1 relaxometry, dynamical-decoupling noise spectroscopy, superconducting qubits or superconducting resonators, cryogenic and low-temperature techniques, dilution refrigerators, cryogenic optics, pulse-sequencing electronics, scientific programming, quantitative data analysis, and background in superconductivity, magnetism, thin films, surfaces and interfaces. Strong communication, collaboration, record-keeping, and project-management skills are expected.
How to apply
Click Apply in the Workday posting and complete the employment application. Upload a resume/CV, a cover letter, and a list of professional references.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.