About the role

As a Senior Atomic Fabrication Scientist, you will lead technical initiatives and drive innovation in atomic-scale device fabrication, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality fabrication solutions. You will operate advanced STM/MBE systems, design and measure multi-qubit architectures, and take ownership of complex projects. Your role will involve mentoring junior scientists, developing new fabrication technologies, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to advance quantum computing technology.

Role responsibilities

• Lead and optimise atomic-scale device fabrication processes, ensuring reproducible, high-quality outcomes.
• Operate and maintain ultra-high vacuum STM and MBE systems for advanced device production.
• Design, fabricate, and measure complex silicon qubit and multi-qubit devices using scanning probe lithography.
• Drive project-based development of new device designs and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Analyse and resolve complex technical problems, troubleshooting equipment and process issues.
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and engineers, sharing best practices and standards.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (cleanroom, measurement, hardware, software) to ensure alignment on project goals and deliverables.
• Contribute to technical strategy and innovation by proposing and implementing new ideas and solutions.
• Oversee documentation and publication of scientific papers and patents, ensuring knowledge sharing and archiving.
• Take ownership of critical consumable and non-consumable stock, uphold safe laboratory operations, and ensure certification of safe work procedures for all junior staff.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in atomic fabrication and quantum computing.

Your experience

• PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ hands-on experience with scanning tunnelling microscopy and molecular beam epitaxy in a research environment.
• Proven expertise in atomic-scale device fabrication, STM-lithography, and MBE crystal growth.
• Demonstrated ability to lead independent research and publish high-impact outcomes.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for complex fabrication issues.
• Experience mentoring and guiding junior staff.
• Advanced proficiency in Python for device fabrication and development of new Quokka plugins.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety responsibilities and laboratory management.

The recruitment process

For roles at SQC, expect 3-4 interviews, meeting a few members of the team and focusing on your core eligibility for the role, your skills and how they align, and finally your values and how they align. We'll give you a more specific runthrough if you're successful in making it to the first interview.

As part of our obligations to our clients, we require that successful candidates submit to background checks, including a National Police Check, Right to Work checks, as well as employment and qualifications verification. We won't contact anyone until we're confident there's a fit between SQC and yourself.

How to apply

The best and simplest way is to apply directly here, rather than messaging anyone on the SQC team directly. If you have any questions that you'd like answered before committing to applying, please feel free to email us at careers@sqc.com.au.

Please note

This position may require access to export-controlled information (ECI) subject to EAR and ITAR. Final employment decision is contingent upon satisfactory completion of export control screenings and obtaining any necessary export licenses or approvals, based on nationality, citizenship, and other factors considered by applicable export control regulations.