Postdoctoral Researcher - Thin Film Deposition & Characterization for Quantum Applications

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27136 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Brelon May

Senior Research Scientist, Materials Research

brelon.may@montana.edu

Classification Title Postdoctoral Researcher Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher - Thin Film Deposition & Characterization for Quantum Applications Brief Position Overview

The QCORE at Montana State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join an active research program focused on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and characterization of thin films for quantum-relevant applications. Materials of interest include superconducting, magnetic, dielectric thin films and heterostructures relevant to quantum computing, quantum sensing, and related emerging technologies.

Position Number 4C7149 Department Physics Division College of Letters & Science Appointment Type Research Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $65,000 - $70,000 annually, salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

QCORE's primary objective is to empower Montana's quantum ecosystem by uniting cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, and community engagement - enabling breakthrough technologies that shape the future of quantum innovation. The vision of QCORE is to lead Montana's transformation into a global powerhouse for quantum-enabled technologies by 2035, fostering economic growth, academic excellence and a resilient, future-focused workforce.

QCORE exists to steward the development of transformative quantum technologies in service to the common good. QCORE will help students plan for careers in quantum and quantum-enabling systems and will support transitioning into those careers through strategic partnerships with Montana's growing quantum industry. Strategic partnerships serve as the mechanism for QCORE to strengthen relationships between industry, research and innovators - growing collaboration and creating shared opportunities for beneficial technology innovations.

The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, staff scientists, and graduate students to develop, grow, and characterize high-quality thin films, with the goal of understanding and controlling material properties that govern coherence, loss, and performance in quantum devices. This position will leverage the newly established MBE and cryogenic facilities at QCORE and integrate with existing characterization and fabrication teams and facilities at Montana State University.

What We Offer

• Access to leading-edge thin film growth, characterization, and fabrication facilities.
• A collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment spanning materials science, device physics, and quantum information science.
• Support for pursuing independent research directions within the scope of the group's broader program.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conference travel, mentorship, and career guidance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute thin film growth experiments using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).
• Characterize film structure, morphology, chemistry, and electrical/magnetic/optical properties using techniques such as XRD, XPS, AFM, SEM, ellipsometry, and low-temperature transport or microwave measurements.
• Correlate deposition parameters with structure, resulting material properties and determine the impact on quantum-relevant performance metrics.
• Maintain and optimize deposition and characterization equipment, and troubleshoot process or instrumentation issues as they arise.
• Analyze experimental data, maintain detailed and organized records/lab notebooks, and contribute to data management practices consistent with reproducible research.
• Collaborate with device fabrication and quantum measurement teams to translate materials advances into functional devices.
• Mentor and provide guidance to graduate and undergraduate students working in the lab.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present research findings at group meetings, seminars, and national/international conferences.
• Assist with writing progress reports and contribute to grant proposals as needed.
• Contribute to a safe, collaborative, and welcoming laboratory environment, including adherence to all relevant safety protocols (cleanroom, vacuum systems, cryogenics, chemical handling).

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related field by start date.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with thin film synthesis (MBE, PLD, sputtering, CVD, or ALD).
• Experience with materials characterization techniques such as XRD, AFM, SEM, TEM, XPS, or similar.
• Strong record of scientific productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience with the use, maintenance and troubleshooting of UHV deposition systems.
• Direct experience with materials relevant to quantum applications (e.g., superconducting, topological, optically active, and/or magnetic materials).
• Experience with cryogenic characterization of optoelectronic or magnetic properties.
• Familiarity with cleanroom fabrication processes (lithography, etching, liftoff) relevant to device integration.
• Proficiency in data analysis for handling and modeling experimental data.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in English.
• Careful, detail-oriented experimental practice and good laboratory data management habits.
• Possess the ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Possess the ability to establish and maintain strong and effective working relations with senior leaders, staff, faculty, students, and external stakeholders.
• Possess the ability to represent QCORE and Montana State University in a professional and courteous manner.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This position is contingent upon continued grant funding.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Successful candidate must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws, which may require proof that candidate is a U.S. citizen.

All QCORE employees may be required to meet NIST 800-53 requirements for access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This position may require the ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

Must be able to perform essential maintenance-related tasks while using required personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and a face mask, for periods of up to four hours continuously.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search. Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on October 28, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

As part of your application, please upload the following required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae, including a full publication list.
• Cover Letter summarizing research background, interests, and fit for the position (1-2 pages total).

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).