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Research Scientist - Quantum transduction and hybrid quantum systems

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Aug 11, 2025

Requisition Id15219

Level: RP03

Overview:

We are looking for a permanent staff member to lead an experimental research effort in quantum state transduction and hybrid quantum systems. The prospective candidate is expected to have previous research and project management experience in condensed matter physics, nanoscience, or quantum information science to advance ORNL's expertise in hybrid quantum information processing platforms. The ideal candidate will lead a research effort understanding and exploiting materials physics phenomena in new device architectures for high efficiency microwave to optical/telecom frequency transduction by developing and exploring novel hybrid superconducting, spin, mechanical, and/or photonic device platforms. The Laboratory has recently invested in additional dilution refrigerators and associated optical and microwave controls that will be available for research in this space.

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

Planned research activities will be supported with internal ORNL investments, the Basic Energy Sciences (BES) Materials Sciences and Engineering (MSE) Program and by the Department of Energy Quantum Science Center (QSC), a National Quantum Information Science Research Center. You will engage with collaborators across the MSE program at ORNL and with QSC researchers across a network of universities, national laboratories, and industry in highly collaborative research efforts, and we anticipate that a strong candidate will work closely with collaborators in research programs across the Office of Science. Research areas spanning a wide variety of approaches to quantum state transduction and hybrid quantum systems will be considered, and we are very interested in talking with candidates with experience in any of these areas.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

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

  • Development of hybrid quantum device architectures.
  • Develop new approaches to quantum state transduction between microwave and optical frequencies.
  • Partnership with existing quantum computing and networking efforts at the lab to enable heterogeneous quantum hardware.
  • Deliver science to DOE funded programs.
  • Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely fashion.
  • Ensure compliance with 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 equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 3 years of research experience beyond a PhD in quantum science, physics, materials science, or a closely related science discipline
  • A strong publication track record in peer-reviewed journals including presentations at major conferences

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 5 years of research experience beyond PhD
  • Experience leading interdisciplinary research projects
  • Experience working with DOE sponsors
  • Ability to work with a measure of autonomy in a team environment
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate to an international scientific audience

Special Requirements:

  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
    For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
  • To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
  • For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Publications:

Please provide a complete list of publications when applying for this position.

Letters of Recommendation:

Please submit three letters of reference when applying for this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to psdrecruit@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

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, 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.

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