Postdoctoral Appointee – Quantum Magnetometry for High-Energy Physics

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

1d • $72,879 - $121,465 • Onsite

About The Position

The High Energy Physics (HEP) Division, in collaboration with the Materials Science Division (MSD) and Q-NEXT at Argonne National Laboratory, seeks a postdoctoral researcher to focus on applied nitrogen-vacancy (NV) diamond quantum magnetometry for high-energy physics experiments. The HEP Division performs cutting-edge research leveraging advanced detector development, high-performance computing (HPC), and world-class engineering support. Concurrently, MSD and Q-NEXT drive state-of-the-art quantum initiatives focused on fundamental and applied quantum information science, highlighted by recent breakthroughs in NV sensor synthesis and host diamond heterointegration. The successful candidate will operate at the interface of these programs, playing a central role in developing and optimizing next-generation diamond membrane quantum sensors to enable precision electromagnetic field mapping in HEP experiments. This position bridges detector R&D, materials science, and quantum information science, offering unique opportunities to design, synthesize, and characterize NV diamond sensors tailored for demanding experimental environments. The postdoctoral researcher will drive the integration of these sensors into microelectronic and photonic platforms, validate their performance in laboratory and operational testbeds, and contribute to developing scalable, field-ready modules for future experiments. This interdisciplinary work allows early-career researchers to build highly valuable expertise across quantum information science, materials science, engineering, and particle physics.

Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in field of Physics, Astronomy, or Quantum Engineering
• Considerable analytical skills are necessary to develop and improve techniques for data analysis
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and effective troubleshooting ability
• Ability to produce scientific reports, present ideas and proposals to scientists and engineers, and maintain proficiency in written and oral communication
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with or a strong interest in condensed matter and materials physics (specifically spin and detector physics)
• Prior experience with or a strong interest in device synthesis
• Prior experience with or a strong interest in quantum materials (including optics, photonics, spectroscopy, and optically active point defects)
• Familiarity with nanofabrication (optical and e-beam lithography)
• Familiarity with microwave engineering
• Familiarity with hardware systems (detector setups, electronics, and NMR)
• Familiarity with programming for data analysis and system modeling

Responsibilities

• Developing and optimizing next-generation diamond membrane quantum sensors
• Integrating NV diamond sensors into microelectronic and photonic platforms
• Validating sensor performance in laboratory and operational testbeds
• Contributing to developing scalable, field-ready modules for future experiments

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree