Research Fellow (Cryogenic 176Lu+ Ion Trap Apparatus)

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

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Research Fellow (Cryogenic ¹⁶⁶Lu⁺ Ion Trap Apparatus)

University-Level Unit: Centre for Quantum Technologies Faculty/Department-Level Unit: Quantum Metrology Group Employee Category: Research Staff Location: Kent Ridge Campus Posted On: 22/06/2026

About the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT)

The Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) in Singapore brings together physicists, computer scientists and engineers to do basic research on quantum physics and to build devices based on quantum phenomena. Experts in this new discipline of quantum technologies are applying their discoveries in computing, communications, and sensing.
CQT is hosted by the National University of Singapore. The Centre also has staff at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. With some 200 staff and students, it offers a friendly and international work environment

Learn more about CQT at https://www.cqt.sg/

Job Description

The ultimate systematic performance of any ion clock is set by the quality of its trap and the thermal environmentsurrounding it. Cryogenic ion traps — operating at 4 K and below — eliminate blackbody radiation from the trap structure, reduce anomalous heating rates by orders of magnitude, and enable ultra-low-pressure conditionsunachievable at room temperature. ForLu+, already an exceptional clock species, a cryogenic platform would unlock a systematic uncertainty budget at the 10-19level and below. This postdoc offers a rare chance to design,build, and operate a next-generation cryogenic ion trap system from the ground up — an instrument-buildingchallenge at the frontier of experimental physics.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and construction of a cryogenic ion trap platform for ¹⁶⁶Lu⁺ , integrating a pulse-tube cooleror 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 tomaintain 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, includingin-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 thework.

Qualifications

• PhD in AMO physics, experimental physics, or a related engineering discipline, completed or near completion.
• Hands-on experience in experimental AMO physics: ion trapping, laser cooling, or precision spectroscopy.
• Experience with cryogenic systems is highly desirable — pulse-tube coolers, liquid helium cryostats, or dilution refrigerators at any scale.
• Strong mechanical and technical intuition: comfort with vacuum systems, machining tolerances, thermal
  design, and cryogenic materials.
• Ability to work independently on long-horizon apparatus construction while collaborating closely within a
  team.
• A track record of research output commensurate with career stage.

Additional Information

What we offer:

• Competitive NUS postdoctoral salary.
• 2+1 years, renewable based onperformance
• World-leading AMO group at theNUScampus.