Atomistic Materials Characterization for Superconducting QIS
Postdoctoral research opportunity at NSA's LPS to study and mitigate material defects in superconducting qubits using advanced scanning probe microscopy.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2026 (application) | May 2026 (notification)
Funding Amounts: $86,335 annual stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation & health insurance provided; 1–2 years typical duration.
Summary: Postdoctoral research opportunity at NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences to study and mitigate material defects in superconducting qubits using advanced scanning probe microscopy.
Key Information: Extensive experience in scanning probe microscopy is required; open to U.S. and international applicants.
Description
This opportunity offers a postdoctoral or senior research associateship at the National Security Agency's Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) in College Park, MD. The research focuses on understanding and mitigating two-level system (TLS) defects in superconducting transmon qubits, which are a dominant source of noise and decoherence in quantum information systems. The project leverages advanced low-temperature scanning probe microscopy, including STM, AFM, and related electrical/magnetic excitation tools, to achieve atomic-level insight into the origins and locations of TLS defects. The goal is to discover the causation and correlation of TLS defects and demonstrate mitigation strategies through materials engineering. Awardees will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a clean room for device fabrication, advanced microscopy tools, and a collaborative research environment with connections to academia, government, and industry.
