Applied Scientist, Materials Characterization and Simulations, Amazon Center for Quantum Computing

The Amazon Center for Quantum Computing in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire an Applied Scientist on the Materials team, focused on understanding and mitigating materials-driven loss mechanisms in superconducting quantum processors. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of theoretical and experimental physicists, materials scientists, and hardware and software engineers working at the forefront of quantum computing. You should have deep expertise in materials characterization and computational modeling of disordered solids, with the ability to connect atomic-scale insights to materials design.

Candidates with a track record of original scientific contributions in experimental and computational studies of materials defects will be preferred. We are looking for candidates with strong scientific and engineering principles, resourcefulness and a bias for action, superior problem solving, and excellent communication skills. As an Applied Scientist at CQC, you will be expected to drive materials research from characterization through design recommendations and stay abreast of advances in materials science for superconducting quantum hardware.

Key job responsibilities

You will combine materials characterization and numerical simulations to investigate how material defects affect qubit performance. This includes implementing multi-technique characterization workflows for thin films and interfaces, providing input on the design of materials with targeted properties, and developing computational tools for simulations of disordered structures. You will provide characterization support for the Fabrication team, investigating materials sources of loss in production-relevant films and processes. You will coordinate with cross-functional teams to translate materials insights into actionable process improvements, and publish results in scientific journals when appropriate.