Staff Scientist

At Aalto University, science and art meet technology and economics. We build a sustainable future by achieving breakthroughs in our key areas and at their intersections. At the same time, we inspire future changemakers and create solutions to the world's great challenges. Our university community includes 16,000 students, 446 professors, and over 5,000 employees, representing a total of over 120 nationalities. Our campus is located in Otaniemi, Espoo. Diversity is part of us, and we work continuously to ensure the diversity and non-discrimination of our community. Therefore, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to join our community.

Aalto University's OtaNano is now seeking:

Staff Scientist for OtaNano Quantum-Computing Infrastructure

Are you an expert in cryogenic, microwave, and ultra-low temperature measurement techniques as well as qubit-based quantum technologies and devices? Would you like to work in an inspiring, world-class research environment? We are committed to ambitiously building a better world and offer you the opportunity to participate in realizing our vision as a member of our community.

OtaNano – Cryogenic Laboratory (LTL) at Aalto University is looking for a person to lead and manage the construction and continuous operation of the quantum computing infrastructure. The infrastructure is based on superconducting transmon qubits at cryogenic temperatures. This is a role where you will have a significant impact on creating a new world-class research infrastructure from the ground up until operations are established. You will work both in collaboration with the OtaNano research team and in close cooperation with researchers from the Department of Applied Physics.

The quantum computer hardware built at Aalto University is part of Finland's national quantum computing infrastructure project FiQCI (fiqci.fi), where both Aalto and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (vtt.fi) host the hardware, while CSC - IT Centre for Science Ltd. (csc.fi) manages classical supercomputers as gateways to quantum computers. Although the Aalto configuration is primarily aimed at serving the academic research community, it is integrated into the national quantum computing network.

OtaNano – Cryogenic Laboratory is part of Finland's national OtaNano research infrastructure. OtaNano includes state-of-the-art facilities for the fabrication, characterization, and measurement of nanostructures, materials, and devices. The Cryogenic Laboratory serves over 150 users annually by providing various cryogenic devices and nanofabrication facilities. It is one of the world's central hubs in ultra-low temperature physics and technology. Its leading position is based on strong internal development and construction of sub-mK refrigerators. More information can be found at https://www.aalto.fi/en/otanano .

During the employment, you are expected to lead the construction of the infrastructure and its updates, ensure its stable operation, and oversee its use. You will also train researchers to run quantum algorithms on the computer.

Your Role

Your main task is to provide daily experimental and technical support to research groups so they can access the LTL facilities, especially the quantum computer. Your focus areas may vary according to operational needs. The percentage allocations mentioned below are indicative. The work includes, among other things:

Service tasks (approximately 55% of working time):

Your primary responsibility is to provide technical support to quantum computer infrastructure users for daily operations, user training for relevant tools and instruments, and the necessary methods and skills so that research work can be conducted safely and productively.

Development and maintenance of technological and scientific capabilities, supporting the core areas of quantum technology.

Further opening the infrastructure through established partnerships, agreements, and access programs, and ensuring that the management and governance of the infrastructure best suit the mission of the OtaNano research infrastructure.

Helping to maintain equipment with optimal functionality and providing established processes to ensure the daily operation of the infrastructure.

Calibrations and characterization measurements of the quantum processing unit according to manufacturer specifications.

Ensuring the operation of the quantum computer as well as its hardware updates and firmware updates.

Participation in international and national funding applications related to quantum computing.

Active management and development of the OtaNano research infrastructure.

Participation in the supervision and training of researchers (approximately 15% of working time):

Guiding PhD and postdoc researchers in utilizing the infrastructure in their work and supporting them in acquiring advanced quantum computing skills.

Developing the teaching and training of researchers regarding the infrastructure.

Research (approximately 30% of working time):

Participation in research conducted at the highest international level, pushing the boundaries of quantum technology, or inventing and testing entirely new approaches. This will inevitably lead to difficulties and failures that require expertise in identifying the necessary steps to solve the problem.

The research area should primarily focus on quantum computing and simulations, but it can more broadly relate to quantum technology, such as superconducting qubits, acoustic, and other hybrid quantum systems.

Your Experience

To succeed in this role, you need strong technical skills, deep cryogenic expertise, an understanding of low-temperature microwave measurement techniques, and the ability and ambition for research and teaching. Since this is also a service role, it is important that helping others motivates you and that you get along with different types of people.

More specifically, you need:

Proven experience in cryogenic technologies as well as the control of superconducting qubits and other related devices.

Understanding of the operating principles of quantum computing and related hardware, as well as demonstrable proficiency in quantum algorithms.

Experience in building, benchmarking, using, and maintaining equipment.

A PhD in physics/materials science/engineering/computer science or related fields.

Experience in microwave signal processing.

Strong numerical skills, especially in Matlab, Mathematica, Python, or similar programming languages.

Previous research experience with quantum computing toolkits, such as Qiskit, QuTiP, PennyLane, Quil, etc.

Knowledge of the firmware of various control devices.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Strong organizational skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Fluent oral and written English skills; knowledge of the Finnish language is not required.

We also value:

Research experience in the fields of advanced low-temperature physics and quantum computers/computing in general.

Experience in using superconducting-qubit-based quantum computer infrastructure and running quantum algorithms.

Experience with classical supercomputing environments.

Experience in equipment maintenance and instrument design.

Experience in global mapping and negotiations with international suppliers regarding experimental equipment: electronics, mechanical parts, etc.

Experience in training people to use sensitive equipment.

Experience in gate optimization and quantum circuit transpilation.

Previous work or demonstrable interest and knowledge in the applications of quantum algorithms to scientific or industry-driven research problems.

What We Offer

We offer a 2-year, full-time fixed-term role. We expect the role to start as soon as possible. The starting salary is determined according to the Finnish Universities Collective Agreement based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

We offer you a diverse and interesting role in a vibrant, multicultural academic environment. You can utilize your skills and expertise to develop our world-class research environment and participate in research at the highest international level.

We operate on a hybrid model, where the primary workplace is located at the Otaniemi campus in Espoo. We offer a flexible work culture and a wide range of opportunities to learn and develop your skills. Additionally, we offer occupational health services.

Interested?

If you want to join our community, please submit your application no later than October 28, 2026, at 23:59 (EET) through the electronic recruitment system (select "Apply now"). We may contact applicants during the application period.

Write your application and all related documents in English and attach them to the application in PDF format. Attach only the following documents to your application:

A cover letter (maximum two pages)

A CV, including education, work experience, possible teaching experience, and a list of publications

Names of possible referees

If you are an Aalto employee, please apply with your own employee profile through the Workday system (internal jobs).

If you have questions about the position, we will be happy to answer. Contact the team leader, Alexander Savini. He is best reached on workdays between 10:00–12:00. Phone: +358 503442752. Email: firstname.lastname@aalto.fi.

More information about Aalto as an employer: https://www.aalto.fi/en/careers-at-aalto