Senior Scientist - Superconducting Detector Theory (Hybrid)

About Xanadu:

Xanadu’s mission is to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere.

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:

As part of the Hardware Team, you will collaborate with a group of experienced physicists and engineers to advance the performance of our photon number resolving (PNR) cryogenic detectors. In this role, you will contribute your expertise in superconducting (SC) detectors, SC device geometry simulation and numerical methods.

You will be a member of the Low Temperature Devices team, which is responsible for the systems-level design and deployment of large-scale arrays of optical Transition Edge Sensor (TES) PNR detectors, as well as their integration within Xanadu’s full hardware stack.

A key aspect of this role is working closely with the TES design and characterization team, where your insights will directly influence the development of next-generation devices. You will also collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand system-wide requirements and ensure alignment across teams.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD with 2+ years additional experience (postdoc or industry) in Physics, Engineering, Experimental Sciences, or related relevant discipline with a focus on superconducting device theory and simulation. 

• Understanding the physics of superconductivity and superconducting devices and circuits.

• Experience in coding.
• Experience simulating the behavior of superconducting photon detectors, for example TES, KID or SNSPDs.  
• Experience in modeling superconducting systems using the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau (TDGL) framework or related techniques for simulating dynamic order parameter evolution.
• Experienced in numerical simulation methods include Finite Element Method (FEM) for 2D and 3D simulations
• Experience working in a collaborative team-based development environment.
• Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple competing priorities.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience:

• Knowledge of superconducting material film properties
• Experience with python and github
• Familiarity with numerical optimization techniques
• Experience with large data set analysis and statistical reporting.
• Electrical signal processing

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

At Xanadu, 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 recruiting@xanadu.ai.

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