Quantum Device Postdoctoral Scholar

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open to the Public

Employment Status: Full-Time, Temporary

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0058/5

Salary Range: $60,292 to $ 70,655.52

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES SPECIFIC TO THE GRANT

The Center for Nanotechnology Research and Education (CNRE) at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to contribute to a federally funded quantum device research program focused on scalable, manufacturable quantum technologies. This is a full-time, research-intensive position based in person at CNRE. The successful candidate will support research on magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)-custom-designed molecule (CDM) hybrid quantum devices and related quantum information science (QIS) technologies that integrate nanofabrication, spintronics, molecular materials, microwave measurement, cryogenic characterization, and quantum-device engineering.

The Postdoctoral Scholar will work closely with the technical lead/PI, CNRE faculty investigators, other postdoctoral scholars, laboratory engineers, grant coordinators, graduate and undergraduate researchers, chemistry collaborators, and external research partners. Daily mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students is an essential responsibility. The incumbent is expected to support preparation of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, grant reports, proposals, experimental protocols, and other scholarly products; collaborate constructively with other staff; and share appropriate CNRE and project-management responsibilities needed to achieve the quantum-device research objectives.

Salary range: $60,000-$70,000 annually. The anticipated appointment duration is up to five years, subject to continued grant funding, satisfactory performance, continuing programmatic need, and applicable University policies. Postdoctoral Scholars may competitively apply for open faculty positions at UDC for which they meet the stated qualifications; the postdoctoral appointment does not guarantee a faculty appointment.

Brief Description of Duties

This position is primarily an advanced research and professional-development appointment in which the incumbent plays a substantive role in planning and conducting quantum-device research; fabricating and characterizing devices; collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and documenting data; developing or improving experimental methods; publishing results; representing the University at conferences and meetings; mentoring students; and contributing to sponsored-project milestones. In collaboration with project leadership and participating faculty, the Postdoctoral Scholar is expected to progressively develop research independence while remaining accountable to grant objectives, agreed milestones, laboratory policies, research security requirements, and responsible research practices.

Research productivity is the primary purpose of the position. Postdoctoral Scholars normally may not teach academic courses because routine course teaching would reduce time available for sponsored quantum-device research, publication, student mentoring, and project milestones. A Postdoctoral Scholar may participate in teaching or instructional activities only when specifically requested by CNRE/project leadership to meet grant objectives, such as specialized laboratory demonstrations, quantum-device training, workshops, research-integrated instruction, or other grant-supported educational activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct high-quality, original research consistent with assigned DoD quantum-device research objectives and agreed milestones.
Plan and execute quantum-device fabrication, measurement, and analysis activities in consultation with project leadership and participating faculty; analyze, validate, interpret, and document results.
Maintain complete, organized, accurate, and reproducible research records and follow applicable research-integrity, data-management, laboratory-safety, research-security, and sponsor requirements.
Actively prepare and support submission of peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, conference papers, abstracts, posters, presentations, and other scholarly products arising from the quantum-device research.
Work with faculty and students to move completed research toward timely publication and assist in preparing figures, tables, technical analyses, literature reviews, measurement models, and responses to reviewer comments.
Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in quantum-device research, experimental planning, nanofabrication, equipment operation, data analysis, documentation, research ethics, scientific writing, and presentation skills.
Help students establish clear research objectives and milestones; review experimental progress regularly; troubleshoot research challenges; and provide constructive, timely technical guidance.
Assist students with preparation of theses, dissertations, manuscripts, conference abstracts, posters, and oral presentations as appropriate.
Contribute technical material to annual reports, progress reports, sponsor reviews, Technology Readiness Level (TRL) documentation, presentations, and other grant deliverables.
Participate in proposal development, preliminary-data generation, technical literature reviews, experimental planning, and other external-funding activities related to QIS, quantum devices, spintronics, and defense-relevant technologies.
Collaborate with CNRE faculty, chemistry collaborators, postdoctoral scholars, laboratory engineers, grant coordinators, students, and external research partners; share technical knowledge and research resources appropriately.
Participate in regular research and project meetings, sponsor visits, technical reviews, workshops, outreach, laboratory tours, and other activities needed to achieve the grant objectives.
Share appropriate CNRE and project-management responsibilities, including laboratory organization, research-resource coordination, student development, reporting support, shared-facility coordination, and other assignments made by project leadership.
Contribute to quantum-device prototyping, process development, intellectual-property activities, technology maturation, and transition toward scalable and deployable QIS systems when appropriate to the assigned project.
Seek opportunities for external funding, fellowships, collaborations, and professional development that strengthen UDC quantum-device research and the incumbent's career development.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS / REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Earned PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in electrical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, applied physics, quantum engineering, nanotechnology, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or another discipline directly relevant to experimental quantum-device research.
Demonstrated doctoral research experience relevant to quantum devices, spintronics, magnetic devices, nanoscale electronics, semiconductor/micro-nanofabrication, microwave measurements, cryogenic measurements, or closely related experimental QIS technologies.
Evidence of scholarly productivity, preferably including peer-reviewed publications, and strong scientific and technical writing ability.
Demonstrated ability to independently analyze and interpret scientific data, troubleshoot complex experimental systems, learn new measurement techniques, and maintain high-quality research documentation.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers and to work productively in interdisciplinary teams spanning engineering, materials science, chemistry, and quantum information science.
Proficiency in written and verbal communication and ability to communicate research through manuscripts, reports, presentations, posters, technical discussions, and sponsor reviews.
Strong interpersonal competencies, including professional communication, self-awareness, collaboration, constructive problem solving, respect for colleagues and students, and responsible use of shared research resources.
Ability to work full-time and primarily in person at CNRE, consistent with the hands-on nanofabrication, quantum-device measurement, student-mentoring, laboratory, and project responsibilities of the position.

Information to Applicant

Condition of Employment: Temporary employment may be ended at anytime with or without cause.

Collective Bargaining Unit (Non-Union): This position is not in the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health insurance and annual (vacation) and sick leave only. Part-time selectee will be eligible for annual (vacation) and sick leave on a pro-rated basis.

E q ual Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference: Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This job is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Talent Management only.

Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Talent Management at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .