Postdoctoral Researcher – Superconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

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About The Position

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)

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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• design, fabricate, characterize, integrate, and deploy superconducting detectors and devices
• developing advanced instrumentation for CMB measurements at remote sites, including the South Pole
• investigate novel materials and superconducting device concepts for applications in: Dark matter detection Neutrino measurements Millimeter-wave line intensity mapping surveys Quantum sensing

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package
• Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees