Trapped-ion Experimentalist (Assistant Staff 1/2)

Job Overview

MIT Lincoln Laboratory Assistant Staff provide critical support for domain-level innovative research supporting the Laboratory’s national security mission. They prototype state-of-the-art technology solutions and engage in many steps of a program lifecycle. As an Assistant Staff member, you will work with multidisciplinary project teams assisting with solutions to complex to moderately complex problems through research and technology development activities. In this highly contributory role, you will develop and grow your understanding of the Laboratory and the work we do for our research sponsors and on behalf of the nation while taking on defined research and technical assignments. Depending on the level, you will complete clearly scoped assignments with guidance or apply established methods with limited oversight while taking greater ownership of defined technical work. 

As a successful candidate, you will bring a strong technical foundation, curiosity, and an aptitude for technical growth. You will develop or deepen expertise within a primary technical domain, broaden your awareness of adjacent areas, and support activities such as hardware and software development, systems analysis, data analysis, component fabrication, system integration, testing, and documentation. 

Additional Job Overview Details

The Advanced Quantum Technologies Group is seeking an entry-level experimental physicist with a bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or a closely related technical discipline to support research and development in trapped-ion quantum technologies. The desired applicant will have a strong foundation in laboratory methods, optics, electronics, programming, or data analysis and an interest in quantum information science and precision measurement. Responsibilities may include assisting with the assembly, operation, and maintenance of laser, vacuum, optical, electronic, and ion-trap systems; developing test and automation software; collecting and analyzing experimental data; and documenting procedures and results. The successful candidate will demonstrate careful attention to detail, strong problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.

Hired applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.  

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Support design, development, data analysis, programming, testing, troubleshooting, modeling, simulation, and documentation of systems or prototypes. 
• Apply basic or established technical practices, tools, and procedures to complete defined tasks and solve routine technical problems. 
• Contribute to data collection, documentation, and component- or subsystem-level deliverables supporting broader research and mission-focused efforts. 
• Learn and apply relevant mission context, technical standards, systems, platforms, and project processes. 
• Communicate progress, technical results, assumptions, risks, and questions clearly and incorporate feedback into technical work products. 
• Depending on level, identify small process improvements and assist new hires, interns, or less experienced staff. 

Additional Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform experiments related to trapped-ion quantum information processing and/or quantum metrology with optical clocks

• Perform data analysis of experiments and discuss results with team members

• Assist with design and construction of new apparatus and experiments

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates will be considered for the appropriate level based on their education, experience, demonstrated technical capabilities, and the scope and complexity of their prior work. 

Level 1 – Assistant Staff 

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or other relevant technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. 
• Typically, no technical experience or relevant research experience required. 
• Foundational understanding of research principles, analytical methods, and structured problem solving. 
• Ability to learn and apply technical tools, systems, standards, and procedures within a team environment. 
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document work clearly, ask clarifying questions, and interact respectfully with colleagues, sponsors, and other stakeholders. 
• Demonstrated collaboration, curiosity, attention to detail, and willingness to receive and apply feedback. 

Level 2 – Assistant Staff 

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or other relevant technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. 
• Typically, 1+ years of relevant research, engineering, or other technical experience; a Master’s degree may be considered. 
• Demonstrated ability to apply concepts and technical methods to routine problems. 
• Working knowledge of relevant tools, systems, standards, and documentation practices used in project execution. 
• Ability to complete assigned tasks accurately, manage time effectively, and communicate progress and risks. 
• Collaborative working style with an emerging ability to support others, contribute to team learning, and interact respectfully with colleagues, sponsors, and other stakeholders. 

Additional Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or similar

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in experimental atomic physics
• Experience with Python-based experimental control software

• Experience with mechanical, electrical, or optical system design

• Data analysis and simulation experience