Senior Scientist - Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors

Senior Scientist - SNSPDs

About Xanadu:
At Xanadu, we are learners, innovators, researchers, collaborators, and problem solvers. We are creating something that has never been built before. What we are doing is extremely hard, the classic moon shot. Few people in their life will be able to be a part of something like this, where if we are successful, the technologies we develop will solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, and literally change the world. And that is something to be excited about!

Your role and responsibilities:
In this role, you will contribute your expertise in optics and photonics, cryogenics, to advance the performance of our Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors (SNSPDs). As a member of the Low Temperature Devices Team, your primary responsibility will be the development of record breaking single photon detectors with ultrahigh system detection efficiency, short reset time and compact deployment.

With your deep technical expertise and experience in SNSPD system development, you will play a critical role in designing and enhancing the performance and scalability of our SNSPD platform. This role requires significant experience with SNSPDs (both in design and characterization), cryogenic systems, and photonic hardware, as well as the ability to work effectively across disciplines in a fast-paced environment.

You will design, assemble, and evaluate SNSPDs. You will take full ownership of their development, from concept through validation and deployment within large-scale detector arrays. Responsibilities include:

• Challenge the state-of-the-art in key SNSPD performance metrics relevant to Xanadu’s Architecture
• Independently operate cryogenic systems (e.g. He-4 evaporator based, dilution refrigerators), including cooldowns, troubleshooting, and maintenance
• Collaborate with internal and external process integration engineers, packaging engineers and technicians, including at Xanadu’s foundry partners
• Development of novel high-bandwidth, low latency RF electronics readout systems 
• Perform cryostat-based iterative testing to validate coupling performance, repeatability and stability 

Required qualifications and experience:

• PhD in Physics, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field, with at least 2 years of postdoctoral or industry experience
• Proven track record designing, improving and characterizing SNSPDs
• Experience with high-bandwidth RF readout electronics
• Extensive hands-on experience operating cryostats, including cooldowns, troubleshooting, and maintenance
• Self-motivated, comfortable working both independently and collaboratively with people of all disciplines on complex projects in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with positive attitude towards work
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

Preferred knowledge and experience:

• Experience writing Python code
• Experience operating dilution refrigerators (DRs) and adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators (ADRs)
• CAD and simulation experience for thermal/mechanical modeling (e.g., Solidworks, COMSOL)
• Experience with fibreoptical coupling to superconducting devices
• Familiarity with analog test equipment (e.g., VNA, SMU) 
• Experience with statistical process control and  quality management system reporting methods

This is for a new position. Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and internal benchmarks. The base salary range is 140,000 - 190,000 CAD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Our values are important. They are fundamental and lay the foundation for culture at Xanadu. Learn more about our values here.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive, safe, and equitable culture and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We are committed to meeting the needs of all individuals and support a barrier-free workplace. Should you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process please contact Recruiting at [email protected].

Please be advised that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the screening and assessment of applicants for this position. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.