Materials Simulations and Characterization Senior Research Scientist, Materials Team, AWS Center for Quantum Computing

The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Center for Quantum Computing (CQC) is a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians on a mission to develop a fault-tolerant quantum computer.

You will be joining a team located in Pasadena, CA that conducts materials research to improve the performance of superconducting quantum processors. We seek a Quantum Research Scientist to investigate how material defects affect qubit performance. In this role, you will combine expertise in numerical simulations and materials characterization to study materials loss mechanisms such as two-level systems, quasiparticles, vortices, etc.

Key job responsibilities
Provide subject matter expertise on integrated experimental and computational studies of materials defects
Develop and use computational tools for large-scale simulations of disordered structures
Develop and implement multi-technique materials characterization workflows for thin films and devices, with a focus on the surfaces and interfaces
Identify material properties that can be a reliable proxy for the performance of superconducting resonators and qubits
Communicate findings to teammates, the broader CQC team and, when appropriate, publish findings in scientific journals

A day in the life
At the AWS CQC, we understand that developing quantum computing technology is a marathon, not a sprint. The work/life integration within our team encourages a culture where employees work hard and also have ownership over their downtime.

We are committed to the growth and development of every employee at the AWS CQC, and that includes our research scientists. You will receive management and mentorship from within the team that is geared toward career growth, and also have the opportunity to participate in Amazon's mentorship programs for scientists and engineers. Working closely with other quantum research scientists in other disciplines – like design, measurement and cryogenic hardware – will provide opportunities to dive deep into an education on quantum computing.

About the team
Our team contributes to the fabrication of processors and other hardware that enable quantum computing technologies. Doing that necessitates the development of materials with tailored properties for superconducting circuits. Research Scientists and Engineers on the Materials team operate deposition and characterization systems in order to develop and optimize thin film processes for use in these devices. They work alongside other Research Scientists and Engineers to help deliver the fabricated devices for quantum computing experiments.
Export Control Requirement:
Due to applicable export control laws and regulations, candidates must be either a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be able to obtain a U.S export license. If you are unsure if you meet these requirements, please apply and Amazon will review your application for eligibility.

Basic Qualifications:
- PhD, or Master's degree and 4+ years of quantitative field research experience
- Experience investigating the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to business problems and products
- Experience analyzing both experimental and observational data sets

Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of R, MATLAB, Python or similar scripting language
- Experience with agile development
- Experience building web based dashboards using common frameworks

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company's reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $136,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $212,800/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.

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