Postdoctoral Researcher – Superconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation

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.

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

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)

• 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

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

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.