Leila Najafi

Quantum Device Experimental Physicist | Nanofabrication & Cleanroom Process Engineer | Superconducting & Semiconductor Quantum Hardware Specialist (Plasma Etching Leadership) with 14+ years of hands-on experience in advanced nanoscale fabrication, superconducting and semiconductor quantum devices, and cleanroom process development. Proven expertise in electron-beam and optical photolithography (direct-write and masked), PVD and dielectric thin-film deposition, wet and dry etching, plasma processing, and full process integration for high-yield quantum hardware fabrication. Extensive experience in Class 100/1000 cleanroom environments, including tool ownership, calibration, troubleshooting, equipment qualification, and scaling processes from prototype to wafer-level production.

Highly proficient in nanoscale characterization using SEM/FIB, AFM, and optical/physical profilometry, with strong focus on reproducibility, yield optimization, and statistical process control. Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional quantum hardware programs at VTT, Aalto University, and the University of Sheffield, driving process innovation, establishing SOPs, mentoring engineers and researchers, and translating physics-driven concepts into scalable, manufacturing-ready platforms.

Research Associate / Quantum Engineer - University of Sheffield - Sheffield, UK

(2023-12)

• Researcher at Quantum Communication Hub and EPSRC National Epitaxy Facility.
• Member of the Low Dimensional Structures and Devices (LDSD) Group.
• Expertise in micro/nanofabrication of quantum devices, quantum dots, and quantum photonics.

Postdoctoral Researcher – Quantum Computing - Aalto University - Finland

(2018-04 - 2019-01)

• Researcher at Quantum Computing and Devices (QCD) Labs.
• Specialized in superconducting quantum qubits, CPW structures, and air bridges.

Postdoctoral Researcher – Quantum Computing Projects - PoDoCo Program (Aalto University and Summa Semiconductor Oy) - Finland

(2018-01 - 2019-01)

• Collaboration between Aalto University QCD Labs and Summa Semiconductor Oy on quantum computing projects.

Researcher – Microelectronics & Quantum Technology - VTT - Finland

(2019-01 - 2023-11)

• Led micro/nanofabrication for quantum devices and MEMS.
• Managed procurement of plasma strippers and dry etching tools.
• Project manager for commercialized quantum and microelectronics devices.

Leader / Process Engineer – Plasma Etching Area - VTT - Finland

(2019-01 - 2023-11)

• Led Plasma Etching Area in the Micronova Cleanroom.
• Trained and supervised students, scientists, and industrial customers.
• Managed procurement and maintenance of plasma etching equipment.

Process Development Engineer - Summa Semiconductor Oy - Finland

(2017-10 - 2019-01)

• Developed Si-N nanograting structures and Al-based airbridges for superconducting microwave devices.

Ph.D. Researcher – Quantum Phenomena & Nanophysics - Aalto University - Finland

(2013-05 - 2017-12)

• Ph.D. research on Superconducting Quantum Interference Proximity Transistor (SQUIPT).
• Fabricated and characterized superconducting quantum devices (SQUIDs, qubits, tunnel junctions).
• Designed cryogenic amplifier setups for quantum measurements.

Scientific Researcher – Superconducting Quantum Circuits - Aalto University - Finland

(2011-10 - 2017-05)

• Conducted research at the Low Temperature Laboratory.
• Specialized in nano/microfabrication of superconducting quantum circuits.

Ph.D. - Engineering Physics / Applied Physics (Quantum Technology) - Aalto University (2018)