Cryogenic Ion-Trap Research Fellow - Lu-166 Clock Project

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

National University of Singapore seeks a Research Fellow to design, build, and operate a next-generation cryogenic ion trap system for ¹⁶⁶Lu⁺. The role focuses on establishing a ground-up cryogenic platform with precise trap electrodes and integrated optical access at Kent Ridge Campus.

The successful candidate will advance low-noise cryogenic wiring, vacuum performance, and in-vacuum optics, contributing to the clock programme and publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in AMO physics, experimental physics, or related field.
• Hands-on experience in ion trapping, laser cooling, or precision spectroscopy.
• Experience with cryogenic systems is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong experimental and technical aptitude.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and construction of a cryogenic ion trap platform for ¹⁶⁶Lu⁺, integrating a pulse-tube cooler or closed-cycle cryostat with precision rf trap electrodes and optical access.
• Develop low-noise rf and dc electrical feedthroughs, cryogenic wiring, and vibration-isolation strategies to maintain trap stability at millikelvin-to-kelvin temperatures.
• Characterise anomalous heating rates, ion lifetime, and trap depth as a function of temperature, benchmarking the cryogenic system against room-temperature performance.
• Integrate laser cooling, state preparation, and detection optics into the cryogenic environment, including in-vacuum optical elements and fibre-coupled delivery.
• Develop ultra-high vacuum procedures appropriate for cryogenic operation, including bake-out protocols, cryo-pumping characterisation, and residual gas analysis.
• Contribute to the broader ¹⁶⁶Lu⁺ clock programme and to publications and presentations arising from the work.

Skills

Ion trapping

Laser cooling

Precision spectroscopy

Vacuum systems

Mechanical intuition

Education

PhD in AMO physics or related field

Tools

Cryogenic systems

Pulse-tube cooler

Vacuum chambers

Job description

National University of Singapore seeks a Research Fellow to design, build, and operate a next-generation cryogenic ion trap system for ¹⁶⁶Lu⁺. The role focuses on establishing a ground-up cryogenic platform with precise trap electrodes and integrated optical access at Kent Ridge Campus.

The successful candidate will advance low-noise cryogenic wiring, vacuum performance, and in-vacuum optics, contributing to the clock programme and publications.