Research Scientist, Superconducting Quantum Circuits

Are you interested in superconducting devices and quantum technology? We are offering a job opportunity in the field.
VTT is one of the leading research organizations in Europe and we are operating the largest R&D cleanroom in the Nordic countries, located in premises, Espoo. We develop innovative enabling technologies and apply them to practical micro- and nanosystems. We work closely with global players in the microelectronics field, including demanding industrial partners. What unites us at VTT are the curiosity, passion of learning and devotion to finding solutions to global challenges and answers to our customers' needs. You can familiarize with us further by exploring VTT's research infra through .
We are looking for an ambitious and results-oriented Research Scientist
with a background in superconducting circuits. As a researcher at VTT, you will have a key role in the development and testing of new scalable hardware for Superconducting quantum computers. You identify and solve problems independently and creatively, while working closely and flexibly with a team of experts. Depending on your background, you focus either on fabrication and physical characterization, or on circuit design and electrical characterization. Nevertheless, ideally you understand the big picture and provide input at all stages of the process.
In this position, you have the opportunity to develop cutting-edge hardware for quantum technology in a booming environment. VTT is a member of leading European research projects (e.g. Plus, ) as well as national initiatives (e.g. ). Currently, in partnership with IQM Quantum Computers, with 20.7 million euros granted by the Finnish government for the purpose.
Your responsibilities as a Research Scientist:

• Designing new hardware components that combine superconducting circuits with VTT's wide-ranging capabilities in related fields of microfabrication.
• Characterization of such components in our cryogenic measurement labs, or fabrication of such components in our extensive cleanroom (Micronova).
• Identifying and solving key issues within your domain of expertise.
• Communicating and solving those issues in tight collaboration with others at VTT.
• Communicating and solving technical problems with external partners.

Who we are looking for:
For the Research Scientist position, we are looking for a person with some experience in design, characterization or fabrication of superconducting circuits. Alternatively, a strong background in MEMS devices may be suitable, especially if you have solid knowledge in some of the following: patterning, sputtering, ALD, CMP, wafer bonding, or flip-chip bonding . The devices you have previously focused on personally need not necessarily include qubits. Your background and interests are primarily in device fabrication or complex experimental apparata for measurements, although numerical modeling and practical programming skills are certainly welcome too.

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in experimental physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience in research on Superconducting quantum circuits (e.g. qubits, Josephson parametric amplifiers, or qubit-based detectors), superconducting sensors (e.g. SQUID magnetometers), superconducting classical logic (e.g. SFQ), or a related field. Alternatively, at least 3 years of experience in fabrication or MEMS devices.
• Experience in cleanroom fabrication, or circuit design and modelling, or low-noise electrical measurement techniques (DC or RF)
• At least basic programming skills.
• You are proficient in English.

Additional knowledge and practical experience in the following is a plus:

• Cryogenics
• Electronics
• CAD design

As a person, you strive for excellent results but also prioritize and make pragmatic choices. You are focused and systematic. You contribute to a positive team spirit and prioritize the needs of the team high. You are hardworking but you also communicate, collaborate, and delegate effectively. You are eager to work with new topics with an open-minded and curious attitude. You can bring clarity over complexity and identify the essential bottle necks. In addition, you have the ability and patience to tolerate uncertainty and unexpected outcomes.
What we offer you:

• Visionary work in technology. We offer positions at the cutting-edge of technology and engineering from next generation microelectronics and quantum technology to automation and robotics, energy systems and more. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating sustainable growth by solving systemic and technological challenges, so your work will go towards creating real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy - .
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment. With us, you get to work on a combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects, both locally and internationally.
• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues. At VTT, excellence in research is a strategic priority. We offer long-term positions and stable career paths in top-level research. People tend to stay with us over 10 years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into. Collaborating in a cross-disciplinary community with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun.
• Support for your well-being. Our people are our main asset, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture great team spirit and leadership and offer versatile well-being services to enable a good work-life balance. On top of 6 weeks of paid holidays, we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation programmes and trainings on cognitive ergonomics.

Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds!
Please send your CV via our recruitment system as soon as possible but at the latest by 26th March 2024.
Interested and want to hear more?
Contact Joonas Govenius for more information by e-mail joonas.govenius@vtt.fi
We look forward to hearing from you!