Applied Scientist

Description

The Amazon Web Services Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) in Pasadena, CA, is looking to hire an Applied Scientist. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of experimental and theoretical physicists, materials scientists, and hardware and software engineers working at the forefront of quantum computing. You should have a solid foundation in experimental physics and deep and broad knowledge of experimental measurement techniques. 

Candidates should have a track record of original scientific contributions, and those with deep knowledge and experience in low temperature condensed matter physics (superconductivity, Josephson junctions, phononics, TLS physics etc.) will be preferred. We are looking for candidates with strong engineering principles, resourcefulness and a bias for action, superior problem solving, and excellent communication skills. Working effectively within a team environment is essential. You will be expected to work on new ideas and stay abreast of the field of experimental quantum computation.

Key job responsibilities
In this role, you will be part of the Physical Metrology and Exploration (PME) subgroup within the Device team. You will work with the basic building blocks of quantum processors, ranging from superconducting films and resonators to junctions and qubits. There are two core missions for the PME team. The first is to support the CQC’s central activities through the development of devices, both existing and novel, that fall within this complexity range. This involves understanding their physical principles, identifying performance limitations, and collaboratively enhancing their capabilities. In many cases though, existing tools and measurement protocols fall short in delivering the depth of insights required for this first mission. Hence the second core mission of the team centers on physical metrology development. This involves continuously refining existing methodologies and simultaneously devising entirely new ones by identifying specific physical phenomena and exploiting them for measurement applications. You will constantly learn, innovate, carry out agile and yet scientifically rigorous research, and disseminate findings to the rest of the organization. You will be responsible for building experiments that encompass the integrated stack: design, fabrication, cryogenics, signal chain, and control stack software. Based on your research, you will provide recommendations that improve our next-generation quantum processors.

Basic Qualifications

- PhD, or Master's degree and 4+ years of science, technology, engineering or related field experience
- Experience in patents or publications at top-tier peer-reviewed conferences or journals
- Experience programming in Java, C++, Python or related language
- Broad experience in experimental physics with ability to learn new topics
- Excellent skills in problem solving and communication

Preferred Qualifications

- Deep knowledge and experience in low temperature condensed matter physics

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.