Postdoctoral Researcher in Autonomous Superconducting Quantum Processors

Postdoctoral Researcher in Autonomous Superconducting Quantum Processors

Aalto University

Espoo, Finland

From € 4229 up to € 4649 per month

Role and vision

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to help build an autonomous superconducting quantum processor in the Quantum Computing and Devices (QCD) group at Aalto University. The position is aimed at an exceptional cQED researcher who wants to turn recent component-level breakthroughs into a new system architecture for scalable superconducting quantum computing.

Instead of routing every measurement and control step to room temperature, our long-term vision is to provide readout, reset, control, and feedback functions inside the cryogenic environment. If successful, this approach can reduce latency, wiring burden, dissipation, and system complexity — and open a new path towards scalable superconducting quantum computers. This research direction, initiated by Prof. Mikko Möttönen, is supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Research Council of Finland, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Your network and team

You will work in a highly collaborative team that combines superconducting-qubit physics, quantum-circuit theory, cryogenic microwave engineering, nanofabrication, and data-driven experimentation. QCD is embedded in a broader Finnish quantum ecosystem with close collaboration across Aalto, VTT, and leading national and international partners.

The group’s entrepreneurial track record includes spinouts and alumni-linked companies such as IQM, QMill, Quanscient, and Arctic Instruments. This is a rare opportunity to join a team that combines frontier science, device building, and a credible route to real-world impact.

Your responsibilities

• Design, simulate, build, and/or measure superconducting quantum circuits and millikelvin components relevant to the autonomous quantum processing unit (AQPU);
• Advance subsystem integration for readout, reset, control, dissipation engineering, and feedback at cryogenic temperatures;
• Carry out and guide microwave and cQED experiments, data analysis, and iterative device improvement;
• Work closely with team members and collaborators to prioritize milestones towards the autonomous quantum processing unit;
• Help supervise students and contribute to a strong collaborative culture.

What we are looking for

• PhD in cQED, superconducting qubits, quantum microwave engineering, applied physics, or a related field;
• Strong experience in several of the following: quantum-microwave circuit design, electromagnetic simulation, CAD, cryogenic measurements, qubit control and readout, data acquisition and analysis, scientific writing, and sample fabrication or integration;
• Excellent experimental judgement and the ability to move from concept to convincing demonstration;
• Ambition for high-impact work and motivation to collaborate across theory, experiment, and engineering;
• Fluency in English; Finnish is not required;
• Outstanding candidates from closely related fields are encouraged even if they do not match every item, but some experience on microwave experiments in cQED must be demonstrated.