Postdoctoral Researcher – Superconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Location: Lemont, IL
- Job Number: 7329208 (Ref #: 422591)
- Posting Date: 2 months ago
Job Description
Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for aPostdoctoral Researcherposition inSuperconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation. This role focuses on advancing large arrays ofTransition Edge Sensor (TES) bolometersfor studies of theCosmic Microwave Background (CMB), while also supporting the exploration of novel applications for superconducting detectors.
As a member of Argonne’sHigh Energy Physics Division, the successful candidate will contribute to thedesign, fabrication, and characterizationof superconducting devices based onmicrostrip-coupled TES technology, with the goal of delivering focal plane arrays for theSouth 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 theSouth Pole.
In addition to CMB instrumentation, the position offers opportunities to investigatenovel materials and superconducting device conceptsfor 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’sHigh Energy Physics (HEP)andMaterials 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 theCenter for Nanoscale Materials (CNM)
Position Requirements
Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) inphysics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field
Experience in thedevelopment and/or deployment of superconducting devices, or related technologies inquantum devices, low-temperature systems, microelectronics, or nanoelectronics
Experience in one or both of the following areas:
Design and fabricationof superconducting or related devices
Low-noise cryogenic measurement techniquesat 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
PostdoctoralJob Profile
Postdoctoral AppointeeWorker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)Time Type
Full timeThe 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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