Are you an expert in cryogenics, microwave and ultra-low-temperature measurement techniques and qubit-based quantum technology and devices? Would you like to work in an inspiring, world-class research environment? We are committed to ambitiously building a better world and offer you a chance to participate and contribute to realizing our vision as a member of our community.

OtaNano - Low Temperature Laboratory (LTL) in Aalto University, Finland, is looking for a Staff Scientist to lead and manage the build-up, benchmarking and sustained operation of a quantum-computing infrastructure based on superconducting transmon qubits at cryogenic temperatures. This is a role where you will have a significant impact in creating a new world class research infrastructure from the beginning to a point where the operations are established. You will be working both in collaboration with the talented team of Staff Scientists at OtaNano and in close collaboration with the researchers at the Department of Applied Physics.

The quantum computer hardware to be built at Aalto University is part of the Finnish National Quantum-Computing Infrastructure project FiQCI (fiqci.fi), where both Aalto and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. (vtt.fi) host the hardware, while CSC - IT Centre for Science Ltd. (csc.fi) manages classical supercomputers as gateways to quantum computers. Although the Aalto configuration is primarily  targeted to serve the academic research community, it will be integrated into the national quantum computing network.

OtaNano - Low Temperature Laboratory is a part of the National OtaNano Research Infrastructure in Finland. OtaNano includes state-of-the-art facilities for fabrication, characterization and measurement of nanostructures, materials and devices. The Low Temperature Laboratory part of the infrastructure serves more than 150 users annually by offering various cryogenic installations and nanofabrication facilities. It is one of the world centers in ultralow temperature physics and technology. The leading position is based on vigorous in-house development and construction of sub-mK refrigerators. For more information please see http://otanano.aalto.fi/. 

The position is fixed-term for 5 years and full-time. During the employment you are expected to lead the building of the infrastructure and its upgrades, establish its stable operation after relevant benchmarking, and supervise the connection and the scheduling of jobs from users. You will also train researchers in running quantum algorithms on the computer. The starting date is as soon as possible but can also be negotiated. 

Your role 

Your leading role is to provide daily experimental and technical support for research groups accessing the LTL facilities and the quantum computer in particular. The job includes (but is not limited to): 

Service tasks (55% of working time):

• Your main responsibility is to provide quantum-computer infrastructure users technical support for day-to-day operations, user training for the relevant tools and instruments, together with the needed methods and skills to allow research work in a safe and productive way. 
• Development and maintaining technological and scientific capabilities, supporting the core fields of quantum technology.
• Opening infrastructure up further via established partnerships, agreements and access programs and ensuring that the infrastructure governance and management are suited best to fulfill the mission of the OtaNano Research Infrastructure. 
• Help to maintain the equipment at optimum operational performance and provide established processes to guarantee daily operation of the infrastructure.
• Perform calibrations and characterization measurements of the quantum processor unit according to the specifications of the manufacturer.
• Ensure the functioning of the quantum computer and its hardware upgrades and firmware updates. 
• Engage in international and national funding applications related to quantum computing.
• Active management and development of relevant OtaNano research infrastructure.

Participation in supervision and training of researchers (15% of working time): 

• Supervision of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in using the infrastructure in their work and helping them to acquire advanced skills in quantum computing. 
• Developing the infrastructure for teaching and training of researchers.

Research (30% of working time): 

• Participating in research conducted at the highest international level, pushing quantum technology to its limit or inventing and testing completely new approaches. This leads unavoidably to difficulties and failures where the experience of the Staff Scientist is required in identifying the required measures to solve the problem. 
• The field of research should be primarily in the field of quantum computing and simulations, though may relate more generally to quantum technology with superconducting qubits, acoustic, and other hybrid quantum systems.

Your expertise

To succeed in this role, you’ll need a combination of strong technical skills, deep expertise in cryogenics, low temperature microwave measurement techniques, as well as capability and ambition for research and training. Since this is also a service position, it is important that helping others motivates you, and that you can easily get along with different kinds of people.  

In more detail, you´ll need

• Proven experience in cryogenic technologies and in controlling superconducting qubits and other devices based on them.
• Understanding of the operation principles of quantum computing and related hardware as well as demonstrable knowledge of quantum algorithms.
• Experience in equipment build-up, benchmarking, operation and maintenance.
• PhD degree in physical/materials sciences/engineering/computer science or related disciplines.
• Experience in microwave signal processing. 
• Strong numerical skills especially in Matlab, Mathematica, Python or similar programming languages.
• Previous research experience with toolkits for quantum computing such as Qiskit, QuTiP, PennyLane, Quil, etc.
• Familiarity with the firmware of various control instruments.
• Excellent communication and cooperation skills.
• Strong organization skills. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluent oral and written skills in English, Finnish language not required.

We also value

• Research experience in the fields of advanced low temperature physics and quantum computers/computing in general.
• Experience in operating a superconducting-qubit based quantum computer infrastructure and running quantum algorithms.
• Experience in classical supercomputing environments.
• Experience in equipment maintenance and instrumentation design.
• Experience in surveying and negotiating with international distributors globally for experimental equipment: electronics, mechanical parts, etc.
• Experience in training people to use delicate equipment.
• Experience in gate optimization and quantum circuit transpiling.
• Previous work or demonstrable interest and knowledge in applications of quantum algorithms to scientific or industry-driven research problems.  

What we offer

We offer you a versatile and interesting position in a vibrant, multi-cultural academic environment. You will be able to use your skills and expertise to develop our world-class research environment, as well as to participate in research conducted at the highest international level.  

The starting salary is determined according to the collective agreement of Finnish Universities, depending on experience and qualifications, and it will increase with responsibilities and performance over time. We have flexible working time as well as a wide range of opportunities to learn and develop your skills. In addition, we´ll offer occupational health care services. 

Ready to apply?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application no later than 1 December 2023 using the link below. To apply, please share the following application materials with us (all documents in English as single PDF): 

• Letter of motivation (max. two pages) 
• Curriculum vitae, including education, work experience, possible teaching experience 
• List of publications
• Names of potential referees

Should you have any questions about the position, we will be happy to answer. Please contact the team leader, Senior Staff Scientist Alexander Savin. He is best available on workdays during 10:00-12:00 Finnish time. Tel: +358 503442752. Email: [email protected]. 

More information on Aalto as employer: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto 

Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period or to consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.  

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