Postdoctoral Researcher – Superconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Superconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation. This role focuses on advancing large arrays of Transition Edge Sensor (TES) bolometers for studies of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), while also supporting the exploration of novel applications for superconducting detectors.

As a member of Argonne’s High Energy Physics Division, the successful candidate will contribute to the design, fabrication, and characterization of superconducting devices based on microstrip-coupled TES technology, with the goal of delivering focal plane arrays for the South Pole Telescope. The position also offers opportunities to pursue broader research in emerging applications of superconducting detectors and related quantum devices.

Research Focus

The primary focus of this role is to design, fabricate, characterize, integrate, and deploy superconducting detectors and devices as part of a multidisciplinary team developing advanced instrumentation for CMB measurements at remote sites, including the South Pole.

In addition to CMB instrumentation, the position offers opportunities to investigate novel materials and superconducting device concepts for applications in:

Dark matter detection

Neutrino measurements

Millimeter-wave line intensity mapping surveys

Quantum sensing

About the Team

The postdoctoral researcher will join a highly collaborative team of physicists and engineers across Argonne’s High Energy Physics (HEP) and Materials Science Division (MSD), while also working closely with partners at universities and national laboratories.

The Argonne team combines expertise in:

Superconducting detector arrays

Thin-film materials development

Nanofabrication

Cryogenic instrumentation and measurements

Large-array development and deployment

This work is supported by Argonne’s world-class research infrastructure, including:

Dilution refrigerators

Adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators

Low-noise DC and RF measurement systems

Cleanroom fabrication facilities

Access to the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM)

Position Requirements

Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field

Experience in the development and/or deployment of superconducting devices, or related technologies in quantum devices, low-temperature systems, microelectronics, or nanoelectronics

Experience in one or both of the following areas:

Design and fabrication of superconducting or related devices

Low-noise cryogenic measurement techniques at millikelvin to few-kelvin temperatures for device characterization

Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

Transition-edge sensors (TESs) or kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs)

Cleanroom microfabrication processes, including:

Thin-film deposition (e.g., magnetron sputtering)

Electron-beam or optical lithography

Dry and wet etching

Microwave resonator design and characterization

RF and microwave measurement techniques

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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