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

Job Profile

Worker Type

Time Type

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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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.