Post-Doctoral Researcher - Quantum Sensing for Fundamental Physics

Colorado School of Mines; Colorado; On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible health and dental care options

13 paid holidays per year

Fully vested retirement plan with 12% employer contribution

Tuition benefits

Free RTD Ecopass for public transportation

On-campus daycare center access

Job summary

The Colorado School of Mines is seeking a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Quantum Sensing for its Quantum Technologies and Subatomic Physics Groups. The ideal candidate will engage in advanced sensor development for BSM physics searches and collaborate with various institutions.

The role offers mentorship opportunities and access to a broad network of academic, government, and industry partners. A PhD in a relevant field is required, with a salary range of $60,000 – $70,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field by the start of the appointment.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring junior researchers.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced quantum sensors for BSM physics searches.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present results at national and international conferences.

Skills

Technical development of quantum sensors

Mentoring junior researchers

High-frequency/microwave measurements

Experience with superconducting sensors

Education

PhD in Physics, Quantum Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Microwave electronics

Electromagnetic simulation tools

Job description

Engineering a world of possibilitiesPost‑Doctoral Researcher – Quantum Sensing for Fundamental PhysicsThe Quantum Technologies and Subatomic Physics Groups at the Colorado School of Mines are recruiting a post‑doctoral researcher for a joint position between the groups of Prof. Kyle Leach and Prof. Wouter Van De Pontseele. The successful candidate will take a leading role in our broad experimental program, which includes the BeEST, RICOCHET, and Project8 collaborations and will contribute to searches for physics Beyond the Standard Model (BSM). The work spans precision measurements of nuclear decay, low‑threshold cryogenic detectors for coherent elastic neutrino‑nucleus scattering and neutrino mass measurements using microwave sensing, as well as exploring optical and AMO quantum technologies for rare‑event searches.

Primary Responsibilities

• Technical development of advanced quantum sensors (e.g., superconducting detectors, quantum‑limited microwave amplifiers) for BSM physics searches.
• Low‑background detection and cryogenic environment development for advanced sensors in the Colorado Underground Research Institute (CURIE).
• Develop and lead new physics research directions within the scope of the BeEST, RICOCHET, and Project8 experiments for neutrino physics and fundamental symmetries.
• Interact with university, industry, and laboratory collaboration partners on technical and scientific components of the experiments, including occasional travel to NIST, UW Seattle, LLNL, PNNL, and France.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed, high‑level scientific or technical journals.
• Present results at national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops.

Professional Development & Career Opportunities

• Mentorship and teaching experience through courses within Mines’ leading Quantum Engineering programs.
• Engagement with a broad network of academic, government, and industry partners through the ‘Elevate Quantum’ regional ecosystem.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Quantum Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start of the appointment.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring junior researchers (e.g., graduate or undergraduate students).

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with superconducting sensors (e.g., TESs, STJs, MMCs, KIDs) or other cryogenic detectors.
• Experience operating dilution refrigerators and managing cryogenic systems.
• Proficiency in high‑frequency/microwave measurements and RF electronics.
• Experience with electromagnetic or multiphysics simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, SONNET, Microwave Office, COMSOL).
• Knowledge of low‑background physics techniques and/or low‑threshold detector development.

Total Rewards

• Annual salary range: $60,000 – $70,000, based on education, training, experience, scope, and complexity of the role.
• Flexible health and dental care options.
• 13 paid holidays per year, including a week‑long winter break for the campus.
• Fully vested retirement plan with a 12% employer contribution (~$8,640 per year).
• Tuition benefits: 6 credits per year for employees, 50% discount for dependents.
• Free RTD Ecopass for regional public transportation.
• Additional discounts on athletic events, recreation center, and outdoor recreation rentals.
• On‑campus daycare center access.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including identity and expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or current military service. Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses. Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs, and activities and its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce. Through its policies, procedures, and resources, Mines complies with federal and state law, administrative regulations, executive orders, and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.