Carolyn B. Parker Fellowship at Fermi Research Alliance, LLC in Batavia, Illinois

Job Description:

Job Description

Open Date: April 30, 2021

Close Date: May 30, 2021

We Are:

The Fermilab's Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems (SQMS) Center was established by the National Quantum Initiative Act as a hub in a new collaborative ecosystem built from national labs, universities, and leading companies. The mission of the SQMS Center is to build ground-breaking new quantum science platforms that exploit superconducting radio frequency cavities and superconducting qubits for quantum information science (QIS) in the area of quantum computing, quantum sensing and quantum physics experiments.

The SQMS Carolyn B. Parker Fellowship is available to Black and African American scholars with a background in physics, engineering, mathematics or computer science seeking a research assistantship. This is a unique opportunity to engage with the National Quantum Information Science Research Center, Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center (SQMS) to build and deploy a beyond the-state-of-the-art quantum computer based on superconducting technologies.

Carolyn B. Parker

Carolyn Beatrice Parker is the first African-American woman known to have earned a postgraduate degree in physics. She earned two master's degrees, one in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1941 and one in physics from MIT in 1951. Ms. Parker was one of a small number of African-American scientists and technicians on the Manhattan Project. She worked as a physicist from 1943 to 1947 on the Dayton Project, the plutonium research and development arm of the Manhattan Project. Leukemia identified as an occupational risk for workers on the Dayton Project in 2008. Ms. Parker's completion of a doctorate in physics at MIT was short-circuited by leukemia that claimed her life at age 48 in 1966.

The Carolyn B. Parker Fellowship is a 3-year appointment with the possibility for extension of up to two (2) additional years.

You Will:

• Perform experiments, analyze data and apply results to progress assigned projects


• Efficiently collaborate with scientists within and outside Fermilab. Interact closely with world-leading researchers in quantum computing across governments, industry, and academia to be up to date with the state-of-the-art science and technology and to identify future research gaps and needs


• Present research progress and results at internal meetings, give seminar and workshop/conference presentations related to area of research or assignment


• Publish papers related to scientific research in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings

We Are Looking For:

• Qualified recipients will have a Ph.D. in physics, engineering, computer science or mathematics conferred within the five-year period prior to application


• Previous post-doctoral research experience is not required


• Effective interpersonal and written communication skills


• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with colleagues from different fields


• Knowledge of quantum computing and/or quantum information science is a plus


• International candidates are invited to apply

Application Instructions:

1. Curriculum Vitae/Resume


2. Research Statement (not to exceed three (3) pages) giving a summary of research achievements and a focused description of interest in the area of SQMS


3. Two (2) (maximum three (3)) Letters of Recommendation


4. Additional Contributions to the field: Publications; Outreach efforts; Public talks/lectures; International/domestic conference keynotes/workshops; Social media campaigns

For information about this position, please contact Silvia Zorzetti zorzetti@fnal.gov or visit https://www.fnal.gov/pub/forphysicists/fellowships/carolyn_parker/index.html

Physical Activity and Work Conditions:

Human Factors: Mental Concentration, Sitting, and Standing

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply.

Apply Now