Post-Doctoral Fellow, Mines and NIST

Colorado School of Mines • Colorado Springs, CO

19d • $73,000 - $83,000

About The Position

The Mines NIST PREP programseeks a scientist to join the Quantum Calorimeters Group at NIST and a team of researchers optimizing, calibrating, and using cryogenic sensors to perform x-ray emission and absorption spectroscopy with metrological accuracy and precision. The microcalorimeter sensors take advantage of superconducting materials, cryogenic (sub-Kelvin) temperatures, and quantum mechanical effects. They achieve energy-resolving power for individual x-ray photons far greater than that offered by traditional calorimeters, opening many new lines of inquiry. These devices, fabricated in NIST’s state-of-the-art clean room, consist of superconducting transition-edge sensors on micromachined structures. They are read out using unique high-speed, low-noise SQUID preamplifier systems also designed and fabricated here. The successful candidate will use these complex systems to perform x-ray spectral measurements of unprecedented quality. The candidate will focus primarily on characterizing the x-ray emission spectra of elements used in the semiconductor industry, especially emission at longer wavelengths and lower photon energies (3 keV and below) where standard reference data do not yet exist. The work will require precision measurement with research-grade (non-commercial) sensors operated at cryogenic temperatures. It will involve calibration of the measured energy scale by use of a pulsed optical-band laser or other means, and extreme control over and understanding of systematic uncertainties and measurement noise. It will require computer-based analysis of large data sets. The Quantum Calorimeters Group as a whole develops microcalorimeter spectrometers for x rays and gamma rays to perform a wide range of research, including applications in: analysis of materials and catalysts; nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear reactor optimization; x-ray nano-tomography; fundamental nuclear and particle physics; and high-energy astrophysics.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Astrophysics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Previous experience with precision measurements in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to develop data analysis procedures and software.
• Ability to work with peers in a collaborative environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer experience with any or all of: spectroscopic x-ray measurements; cryogenic measurements; use of computer-controlled instrumentation; measurements with novel sensors.

Responsibilities

• Operate arrays of custom, non-commercial cryogenic sensors, including superconducting transition-edge sensors, along with readout systems for such arrays.
• Operate and optimize microcalorimeter spectrometers built from cryogenic sensor arrays, using them in measurement applications in the basic and applied sciences.
• Metrologically characterize the x-ray emission spectra of several chemical elements, especially those used in the semiconductor industry.
• Plan and undertake additional x-ray precision measurements of industrial interest, such as x-ray transmission through relevant materials.
• Characterize the performance of new cryogenic x-ray sensor technologies developed at NIST.
• Develop new applications for cryogenic sensors and pursue both internal and external funding.
• Work with other NIST scientists on the operation and application of cryogenic sensor instruments.
• Communicate work status to team members and supervisors regularly.
• Disseminate research results through publications and presentations.

Benefits

• Fully paid health and dental premiums
• Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution
• Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
• Free RTD Ecopass
• All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the on-campus Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more), equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center, the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP), and backup child and elder care.
• Coming soon is an on-campus daycare center.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees