Joint Faculty / Associate Scientist

The expected hiring range for this position is

$89,300.00-$125,000.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Joint Fermilab - Illinois Tech Faculty/Scientist Position

Experimental Superconducting Quantum Devices
The Department of Physics at Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory invite applications for a joint faculty/scientist position in Experimental Superconducting Quantum Devices.

This is a joint 50/50 appointment between Illinois Tech and Fermilab intended to strengthen collaborative research, student training, and shared research infrastructure in superconducting quantum science and technology. The appointment may be made at the Assistant Professor/Associate Scientist level or, in exceptional cases, at the Associate or Full Professor/Senior Scientist level, depending on qualifications and experience. The anticipated start date is August 2026.

Fermilab hosts the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS), one of the U.S. Department of Energy National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, and supports world-class facilities in superconducting quantum materials, 2D superconducting qubits, and 3D SRF cavity-based quantum systems (“qudits”). Illinois Tech and Fermilab seek an outstanding experimental scientist who will contribute to an internationally recognized research program that advances superconducting quantum devices and strengthens the growing quantum ecosystem between the two institutions.

Research Areas of Interest

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Superconducting qubits and quantum circuits
• 3D SRF cavity qudit systems
• Quantum coherence and loss mechanisms
• Superconducting materials and interfaces
• Quantum device fabrication and packaging
• Cryogenic and microwave measurement systems
• Device characterization and quantum control
• Materials and process integration for superconducting quantum technologies

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

Research and Scientific Leadership

• Conduct high-impact research aligned with Illinois Tech and Fermilab strengths in superconducting quantum materials and systems.
• Lead or contribute to collaborative research initiatives involving universities, national laboratories, industry, and federal agencies.
• Publish research results in leading peer-reviewed journals and present invited talks at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to major proposal development, center-scale initiatives, and strategic quantum science activities.

Teaching and Mentorship

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and quantum science at Illinois Tech.
• Mentor Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate researchers.
• Develop research and training opportunities connecting Illinois Tech students with Fermilab facilities, scientists, and programs.
• Contribute to curriculum development and interdisciplinary education initiatives in quantum science and technology.

Collaboration and Institutional Engagement

• Engage closely with SQMS and related Fermilab programs in superconducting quantum science.
• Help strengthen shared infrastructure and collaborative research activities between Illinois Tech and Fermilab.
• Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and intellectually ambitious research environment.
• Participate in departmental, laboratory, and professional service activities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field by the start date.
• Experimental research experience in superconducting quantum devices or closely related areas.
• Demonstrated record of research productivity and scientific achievement.
• Ability to contribute effectively to teaching, mentoring, and collaborative research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in superconducting qubits, SRF cavities, quantum circuits, superconducting resonators, or related quantum platforms.
• Experience with cryogenic systems, microwave engineering, device fabrication, cleanroom processing, materials characterization, or quantum measurements.
• Demonstrated success in securing external research funding (expected for senior candidates).
• Experience leading collaborative or interdisciplinary research programs.
• Interest in developing long-term research and workforce development partnerships between Illinois Tech and Fermilab.

Joint Appointment Structure
The appointment will be shared approximately equally between Illinois Tech and Fermilab, with specific responsibilities and reporting structures defined through the joint appointment agreement. The successful candidate will have opportunities to access advanced research facilities and collaborate broadly across the SQMS ecosystem and associated Fermilab programs.

About Illinois Tech
Illinois Institute of Technology is a STEM-focused research university recognized for excellence in science, engineering, computing, architecture, and technology innovation. The Department of Physics provides a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with strong connections to regional and national quantum science initiatives.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:
1.    Cover letter
2.    Curriculum vitae including publication list
3.    Research statement (upload under the Resume Section)
4.    Teaching and mentoring statement (upload under the Resume Section)
5.    Contact information for at least three references

Review of applications will begin on May 28, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Illinois Institute of Technology and Fermilab are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building diverse and inclusive communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.

Why Fermilab: 
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening  

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. 

Equal Opportunity Statement   

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.