Senior Scientist - Quantum Materials
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Posted on Aug 22, 2025
Overview
Who we are
Collaborative. Respectful. A place to dream and do. These are just a few words that describe what life is like at Toyota. As one of the world’s most admired brands, Toyota is growing and leading the future of mobility through innovative, high-quality solutions designed to enhance lives and delight those we serve. We’re looking for talented team members who want to Dream. Do. Grow. with us.
Who we’re looking for
Toyota Research Institute of North America, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead the in-house research on quantum materials. This role will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers developing state-of-the-art quantum devices based on cutting-edge materials.
The successful candidate will stay current with emerging trends in novel quantum materials and solid-state quantum emitters, carry out original research, publish and present findings, and actively collaborate with academic partners and national laboratories. Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative environment with diverse scientific and engineering teams.
This role blends condensed matter physics and materials science with advanced synthesis, characterization, and atomic-scale simulation to drive fundamental understanding of new materials. Responsibilities will include developing new material systems such as thin films, 2D materials, membranes, topological quantum materials, and hybrid architectures, leveraging advanced synthesis methods including but not limited to MBE, PLD, CVD, and sputtering. A focus of this work is to characterize and understand new phenomena relevant to quantum information science, sensors, catalysis, ion transport, and more.
The position offers a unique opportunity to advance the practical application of quantum materials!
What you’ll be doing
Lead the design, synthesis, and characterization of quantum materials, including color centers, spin defects, and 2D/3D systems for quantum information and sensing.
Develop and refine material growth and fabrication processes such as CVD, MBE, PVD, ion implantation, and lithography.
Conduct comprehensive characterizations including PL, ODMR, Raman, XPS, STM, XRD, DLTS, EPR, as well as photoluminescence, ESR/EPR, magnetometry, confocal microscopy, and time-domain measurements (e.g., HBT, Ramsey, Hahn) at both room and cryogenic temperatures to analyze defect properties, formation energies, coherence times (T1/T2), charge transport, and support qubit discovery, quantum memory, and nuclear spin control.
Collaborate regularly with materials simulation experts and device scientists/engineers to enable trials, demonstrations, and system integration.
Address emerging technical challenges in the field of materials research.
Highly self-motivated, with intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a drive to overcome technical challenges.
Prepare high-impact publications, patent applications, and technical reports; deliver regular updates to the team and management; and present findings at conferences.
Contribute to defining technical roadmaps and project strategies in alignment with organizational goals.
Mentor and support junior scientists and lab assistants in the planning and execution of atomic and quantum optics experiments.
Ability to excel in a fast-paced research environment, prioritize effectively, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing requirements is key to being successful.
What you bring
Ph.D. in Physical Sciences, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
2+ years of postdoctoral academic experience (preferably) or relevant industry background.
Proven record of innovative, high-impact research demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at leading conferences.
Experience in material synthesis and defect engineering
Proficiency in characterizing quantum emitters using a variety of optical techniques.
Added bonus if you have
Expertise in one or more of the following is highly desirable: NV centers, hBN, SiC, rare-earth doped crystals, or 2D materials. A background in experimental quantum or AMO physics — particularly involving light–matter interactions and atomic systems — is a plus.
Experience in the fabrication of quantum devices or in constructing optical benches for advanced quantum optics experiments.
Basic knowledge of density function theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to analyze spin-defect formation and understanding of carrier dynamics.
What we’ll bring
During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:
A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement
Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount
Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)
Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family
Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute
Paid holidays and paid time off
Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more
Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)
Relocation assistance (if applicable)
Belonging at Toyota
Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.
Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to talent.acquisition@toyota.com.