Postdoctoral Fellow

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar to join the Berkeley Accelerator & Instrumentation Program team and develop control and instrumentation for quantum computing and sensing.

ATAP’s BACI Program focuses on essential systems that offer important opportunities to serve the accelerator community and advance the state of the art. The Program develops ultra-high precision control systems to optimize today’s particle accelerators, along with quantum-computer controls, as well as innovative beam-combining techniques for high peak and average power fiber lasers.

In this exciting role, you will participate in the rapidly evolving quantum computing technologies by developing the FPGA based control system for a wide range of advanced qubit technologies, which may include the superconducting circuits, the neutral atoms, and the trapped ions platform.You will explore the full stack of control systems, including hardware, FPGA gateware, embedded firmware and control software. Working with the researchers to execute quantum chip characterization and scientific quantum simulation using the designed control system.

What You Will Do:

• Participate in the continued development testing and performance improvement of the quantum bit control system (QubiC).
• Design and implement modules in hardware, FPGA gateware, and software as needed to improve the system performance and scalability.
• Participate in exploring new technologies for the quantum bit control system.
• Participate in the implementation of new quantum characterization verification and validation (QCVV) protocols with the QubiC system.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Document and communicate the results of work in reports and oral presentations, including participation in meetings, reviews, conferences, and publications in refereed journals.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Assist in building and testing quantum computer control systems. 
• Assist in developing and testing PCB boards.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related field within the last 3 years.
• Demonstrated research and development experience in one or more of the following technologies.
• The RF and electronics hardware design, including the printed circuit board design and testing and chassis to system design;
• The FPGA gateware design and verification for qubit control signal processing on different FPGA chips;
• The low-level software driver and API development.
• Demonstrated programming experience in Python or Verilog, SystemVerilog.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work productively independently and collaboratively in a team with other scientists, postdocs, graduate students, and technicians.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with open-source CAD programs e.g., KiCAD and FreeCAD.
• Familiar with Xilinx FPGA development toolchain and the open-source simulation & verification (e.g., Verilator). 
• Comfortable in a Linux environment.
• Knowledge of quantum information science and experimental and analytical experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of machine learning is a plus.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 2-year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $ 5,374 - $7,510 and is expected to start at $6,542 or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.  

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

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Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

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