Atomic Fabrication Scientist

• Join a world-class team at the cutting edge of technology, focussed on making quantum computers a reality
• Collaborate with a diverse, multicultural team across the full stack quantum computer
• Enjoy the sunny shores and stunning scenery of Sydney, Australia

An exciting opportunity exists for an Atomic Fabrication Scientist to undertake a unique academic-industry position in a start-up company, Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Ltd (SQC), co-located with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication (CQC²T or the Centre), based at UNSW Sydney. This position will be in one of Australia’s leading research teams conducting world-leading research in atomic electronics and quantum computing with the specific aim of building a quantum computer based on atom-qubits in silicon. Silicon Quantum Computing is an Australian research and development company, working hard to make quantum computers a reality.

Position Summary

The Atomic Fabrication Scientist optimises the fabrication of nanometre to atomic scale devices in silicon. This includes the ongoing development of unique semiconductor fabrication techniques and processes and the operation of an ultra-high vacuum scanning tunnelling microscopy / molecular beam epitaxy (STM/MBE) system for the production of atomic-scale devices for studies of coherent transport of quantum information in multi-qubit architectures.

The Atomic Fabrication Scientist works alongside atomic-scale device fabrication scientists, clean-room managers, and device processing engineers to fabricate atomic-scale silicon devices with controlled dopant profiles and support the overall fabrication of globally unique quantum computer processors.

This position reports to the Senior Research Fellow, Dr Joris Keizer, and works alongside other staff and students funded by SQC as well as CQC2T. While this role does not have any direct reports, it is expected that they will assist where necessary with the supervision of other team members.

About SQC

• SQC is an Australian research and development company, with the specific aim of building a quantum computer based on atom qubits in silicon.
• SQC is a well-funded Australian company formed by the Commonwealth Government, the New South Wales State Government, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Telstra, and UNSW Sydney.
• SQC is seeking to commercialise silicon quantum computing technology developed in Australia – technology that has the potential to have a global impact.
• SQC’s work is building on more than 20 years of world-leading research by the Centre of Excellence which includes the development of dedicated manufacturing and measurement techniques for an atom-based quantum computer in silicon.
• This role and SQC are located at the headquarters of the Centre at UNSW Sydney.

Opportunities and Accountabilities

• Responsible for the reproducible execution of a globally unique atomic-scale device fabrication process of excellent quality.
• Drive the reproducible execution of device fabrication processes on a day-to-day basis.
• Responsible for the ongoing development of the atomic-scale device fabrication process for improved device metrics and high yield.
• Design, fabrication and measurement of atomic-scale silicon qubit devices.
• Conduct the operation and maintenance of ScientaOmicron Nanotechnology variable and low-temperature scanning probe microscopes and MBE systems.
• Design, fabricate and measure internationally unique atomic-scale, multi-qubit devices in silicon using scanning probe lithography and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).
• Undertake detailed analysis of individual process steps for optimisation and improvement and provide thorough reports.
• Work closely with clean-room managers and device processing engineers to further the electrical interface and chip layout of multi qubit devices.
• Provide technical assistance and training to the research staff and students working on the current process.
• Liaise with the Senior Research Fellow and team to ensure efficient delivery of atomic-scale devices.
• Start developing independent research experiments/projects for troubleshooting processing issues and improving the yield and efficiency of atomic-scale device fabrication process.
• Implement safety systems including OH&S, hazardous substances, risk assessments and conformance with AS’s codes.
• Assist with the training and guidance of atomic fabrication and cleanroom engineers and scientists.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the UNSW Values in Action: Our Behaviours and the UNSW Code of Conduct.
• Cooperate with all health and safety policies and procedures of the university and take all reasonable care to ensure that your actions or omissions do not impact on the health and safety of yourself or others.

About the successful applicant

• A PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, and/or relevant field.
• Demonstrated work experience in a research environment including hands-on experience of scanning tunnelling microscopy.
• Proven commitment to proactively keeping up to date with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.
• Demonstrated strong track record in research with outcomes of high quality and high impact with clear evidence of the desire and ability to continually achieve research excellence as well as the capacity for research leadership.
• Demonstrated internationally recognised work in ultra-high vacuum scanning probe microscopy or molecular beam epitaxy.
• Demonstrated experience in one of the following areas is required:
• STM of semiconductor surfaces, preferably silicon;
• high resolution STM-lithography;
• crystal growth by MBE;
• single atom manipulation;
• spin measurements by STM; or
• spectroscopy measurements by STM
• Experience in fabrication and research of nanostructured and mesoscopic devices on semiconductor materials, such as silicon, III-V semiconductors.
• Experience in troubleshooting and solving complex fabrication issues.
• Experience of working in close knit teams to optimise complex semiconductor device processes.
• Well-organised, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, collaborate across disciplines and build effective relationships.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety training.

If this role is for you

send your CV to careers@sqc.com.au.
Please include a cover letter addressing the selection criteria.