Post-Doctoral Researcher - Superconducting Quantum Sensors for Neutrino Physics, Dark Matter, and Rare Isotopes
About The Position
The Quantum Technologies at the Sensitivity Frontier (QTSF) group at Colorado School of Mines, led by Prof. Wouter Van De Pontseele, is hiring a postdoctoral researcher to develop superconducting sensors and scalable cryogenic readout for neutrino and dark matter experiments. The researcher will lead one or two research thrusts. Because sensor fabrication is handled by NIST and other partner institutions, the work focuses on characterization, readout, and integration into experiments. The position has guaranteed funding for two years, starting in January 2027. An extension may be possible, subject to funding and performance. QTSF develops quantum sensors to search for physics beyond the Standard Model and works with Mines’ Quantum Engineering program. Its current research includes BeEST, RICOCHET, Project 8, dark matter demonstrator experiments, and the Colorado Underground Research Institute (CURIE). The role includes opportunities to teach in Mines’ Quantum Engineering program and access to partners through the Elevate Quantum regional ecosystem. It is intended to prepare candidates for careers in academia, national laboratories, or industry. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. A background investigation is required.
Requirements
- PhD in Physics, Quantum Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with superconducting sensors such as STJs, TESs, MMCs, or KIDs, or with other cryogenic detectors.
- Experience with SQUID or microwave SQUID multiplexed readout.
- Experience with dilution refrigerators, vector network analyzers, or RFSoC platforms such as QICK.
- Knowledge of low-background techniques or low-threshold detector development.
- Experience with sensor packaging and wirebonding, or microwave and electromagnetic simulation tools such as HFSS, SONNET, or COMSOL.
Responsibilities
- Characterize superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs) and transition-edge sensors (TESs), including sub-eV sensors, and integrate them into cryogenic experiments.
- Develop microwave SQUID multiplexing and RFSoC-based readout with bandwidths above 100 kHz for scalable cryogenic experiments.
- Operate the group’s dilution refrigerator.
- Collaborate actively with NIST Boulder’s Quantum Sensors and Advanced Microwave Photonics groups, meeting at least monthly.
- Collaborate with PNNL, LLNL, Yale, MIT, Northwestern, and UC Berkeley, with occasional travel within the United States and to France.
- Mentor PhD students and Quantum Engineering master’s students.
- Publish research results and present them at conferences and seminars.
- Participate in teaching opportunities in Mines’ Quantum Engineering program.
Benefits
- Flexible health and dental care options.
- Generous sick and vacation time, including 13 paid holidays per year and a week-long campus winter break.
- Retirement plan fully vested on the first day of employment, with an employer contribution of 12% through a MDCP.
- Tuition benefits: 6 credits per year for employees and a 50% discount for dependents.
- RTD Ecopass for free regional light rail and bus transportation.
- Discount programs through the State of Colorado.
- Free tickets to Mines Athletics home games.
- Access to the Recreation Center, including fitness classes, training, and a swimming pool.
- Equipment rentals through the Outdoor Recreation Center.
- Access to an on-campus daycare center.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
