Position Summary

We have ongoing job openings for graduates / researchers / engineers to work with world-leading atomic electronics and quantum computing teams at Silicon Quantum Computing Pty Limited (SQC) based at UNSW Sydney.

The Device Processing Scientist supports the development of a large-scale quantum integrated circuits as the team works to scale to 100-qubit (digital) and >1000-quantum dot (analogue) architectures within the decade. In particular, this role optimises the fabrication of nano to atomic scale devices in silicon. This includes the ongoing development of unique semiconductor fabrication techniques and processes utilising precision electron beam lithography, a mixture of dry and wet etching, evaporation and AFM techniques.

The Device Processing Scientist works alongside the clean-room managers, device processing engineers and scientists, and atomic-scale device fabrication scientists to help develop efficient device manufacturing processes of high yield and quality and support the overall fabrication of globally unique quantum computer processors.

This position is part of the Nanoscale Cleanroom Processing team and reports to Professor Michelle Simmons and takes instruction from the Lead Processing Scientist. 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.

This position reports to Professor Michelle Simmons 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.

We are interested to hear from applicants with a broad range of career stages and backgrounds including academics, professionals, electrical engineers, software engineers, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students nearing the completion of their degrees. The role and remuneration will be tailored to your expertise.

 

About SQC

SQC is an Australian private company, located at UNSW Sydney, at the forefront of global efforts to build a commercial-scale quantum computer and bring quantum computing to market. It was formed in May 2017 by the Commonwealth of Australia, UNSW Sydney, Telstra Corporation, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and the State of New South Wales. It was funded with A$83 million to acquire a portfolio of world-leading silicon quantum computing intellectual property (IP) developed over the previous twenty years at the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communications Technology (CQC2T) and to commence a technical development program to build a silicon quantum computer.

Since May 2017, SQC has assembled a world-class team of quantum scientists, engineers and technicians, specialist equipment and globally unique laboratories at UNSW to further its program. In addition to its core processor technology, SQC is developing a ‘full stack’ quantum computer to ensure it can deliver a useful and manufacturable quantum device.

 

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.

+ 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 and scientists to maintain the clean-room processing equipment in optimal working condition.

+ Provide technical assistance and training to the research staff and students working on the current process.

+ Liaise with Prof. M.Y. Simmons and her leadership team to ensure efficient delivery of atomic-scale devices.

+ Implement safety systems including OH&S, hazardous substances, risk assessments and conformance with AS’s codes.

+ 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.

 

With further experience

In addition to the above:

+ Make independent contributions to research projects

+ Contribute to the long-term strategic planning and development of SQC projects

 

About the applicant

+ PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or relevant field desired, with significant work experience in a research environment.

+ Significant hands-on experience of clean room processing on a day-to-day basis

+ Extensive semiconductor clean room processing expertise, including specifically the use of electron beam lithography and atomic force microscopy.

+ Experience of acid etching (including HF etching), dry etching, metal evaporation, annealing, resist spinning, silicon cleaving, bonding and characterisation by optical and scanning electron and capacitive microscopy.

+ Experience of working in close knit teams to optimise complex semiconductor device processes.

+ Experience of developing semiconductor device fabrication recipes.

+ Experience in troubleshooting and solving complex fabrication issues.

+ Well-organised, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

+ Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

+ 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.

 

With further experience

In addition to the above:

+ Strong work experience as a Device Processing Scientist or in a relate field or discipline