Are you interested in superconducting devices and quantum technology? We are offering a new job opportunity in the field. Would you like to develop innovative technology with superb colleagues who are top experts in their field? Do you want to work at the interface of the academy and industry? Are you enthusiastic about working with fascinating projects in state-of-the-art research facilities? VTT might be just the place for you

VTT is one of the leading research organizations in Europe and we are operating the largest R&D cleanroom in the Nordic countries, located in Micronova premises, Espoo. We develop innovative enabling technologies and apply them to practical micro- and nanosystems. We work closely with global players in the microelectronics field, including demanding industrial partners. What unites us at VTT are the curiosity, passion of learning and devotion to finding solutions to global challenges and answers to our customers’ needs. You can familiarize yourself with us further by exploring VTT’s research infra through VTT World.

We are looking for an ambitious and results-oriented Senior Scientist with a background in superconducting circuits.

As a researcher at VTT, you will have a key role in the development and testing of new scalable hardware for superconducting quantum computers. You identify and solve problems independently and creatively, while working closely and flexibly with a team of experts. Depending on your background, you focus either on fabrication and physical characterization, or on circuit design and electrical characterization. Nevertheless, ideally you understand the big picture and provide input at all stages of the process.
In this position, you can develop cutting-edge hardware for quantum technology in a booming environment. VTT is a member of leading European research projects (e.g. OpenSuperQPlus, Qu-Pilot) as well as national initiatives (e.g. Quantum Technology Finland). 

Your responsibilities as a Senior Scientist:

• Designing new hardware components that combine superconducting circuits with VTT’s wide-ranging capabilities in related fields of microfabrication.
• Supervising characterization of such components in our cryogenic measurement labs, or fabrication of such components in our extensive cleanroom (Micronova).
• Management and follow-up of projects that combine superconducting circuits with VTT’s wide-ranging capabilities in related fields of microfabrication.
• Discussions with companies interested in working with VTT on superconducting devices, ultimately leading to a project plan and offer.
• Forming consortia and preparation of project proposals for publicly funded calls.
• Planning related to key equipment investments relevant to the team.
• Communicating with external partners.
• Identifying and solving key technical issues within your domain of expertise (be it design, fabrication or characterization).

Who we are looking for:

For the Senior Scientist position, we are looking for a person with experience in the field of superconducting circuits. You should have a good overall understanding of the field of superconducting qubits, superconducting sensors, or SFQ circuits. That will allow you to effectively manage projects and work as an effective mediator between various external stakeholders as well as internal experts with more narrowly focused specializations. Technical skills relevant to superconducting electronics are highly beneficial but no one technical skill is specifically required, as long as your background includes some experimental projects. 

• Ph.D. in experimental physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in research on superconducting quantum circuits (e.g. qubits, Josephson parametric amplifiers, or qubit-based detectors), superconducting sensors (e.g. SQUID magnetometers), superconducting classical logic (e.g. SFQ), or a clearly related field.
• Experience in cleanroom fabrication, circuit design and modelling, or low-noise electrical measurement techniques
• At least basic programming skills.
• You are proficient in English.
• Grant writing experience

As a person, you strive for excellent results but also prioritize and make pragmatic choices. You are focused and systematic. You contribute to a positive team spirit and prioritize the needs of the team high. You are hardworking but you also communicate, collaborate, and delegate effectively. You are eager to work on new topics with an open-minded and curious attitude. You can bring clarity over complexity and identify the essential bottle necks. In addition, you have the ability and patience to tolerate uncertainty and unexpected outcomes.

What we offer you

• Visionary work in technology. We offer positions at the cutting-edge of technology and engineering from the next generation microelectronics and quantum technology to automation and robotics, energy systems and more. Our research agenda is dedicated to creating sustainable growth by solving systemic and technological challenges, so your work will go towards creating real, positive impact. Read more about our strategy – the path of exponential hope. 
• Fascinating projects, excellent research environment. Our researchers get to work on a combination of cutting-edge academic research and applied customer projects, both locally and internationally. At VTT, you’ll have state-of-the-art research facilities at your disposal, such as Micronova, the Finnish research infrastructure for micro-, nano- and quantum technologies.   
• Great career opportunities, superb colleagues. At VTT, excellence in research is a strategic priority. We offer long-term positions and stable career paths in top-level research. People tend to stay with us over 10 years since there are always new roles and responsibilities to grow into. Collaborating in a cross-disciplinary community with superb colleagues is a source of learning, inspiration, and fun. 
• Support for your well-being. Our people are our main assets, so we take good care of them. We aim to nurture great team spirit and leadership and offer versatile well-being services to enable a good work–life balance. On top of 6 weeks of paid holidays, we offer exercise and culture benefits, hobby clubs, and voluntary well-being services such as meditation programs and training on cognitive ergonomics. 

Apply now and join our community of brilliant minds!

Please send your CV and application with your salary request via our recruitment system, at the latest by 23rd of March 2025. 

Interested and want to hear more? Contact Jorden Senior – Research Team Leader, Quantum Hardware for more information (jorden.senior(a)vtt.fi)  

We look forward to hearing from you!