Postdoctoral Appointee – Quantum Magnetometry for High-Energy Physics

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory seeks a postdoctoral researcher to advance applied nitrogen-vacancy diamond quantum magnetometry for high-energy physics experiments.

The successful candidate will work at the interface of HEP, materials science, and quantum information science, designing and testing diamond sensors for integration into detector platforms and field-ready modules.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Quantum Engineering (recent or soon-to-be-completed).
• Strong analytical skills for data analysis and technique development.
• Proven ability to communicate results clearly in reports and presentations.
• Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize NV diamond sensors for quantum magnetometry in HEP experiments.
• Integrate sensors into microelectronic and photonic platforms.
• Validate performance in lab and testbed environments; contribute to scalable modules.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Effective communication

Education

PhD in Physics/Quantum Engineering

Tools

Programming for data analysis

Job description

The High Energy Physics (HEP) Division, in collaboration with the Materials Science Division (MSD) and Q-NEXT at Argonne National Laboratory, seeks a postdoctoral researcher to focus on applied nitrogen-vacancy (NV) diamond quantum magnetometry for high-energy physics experiments. The HEP Division performs cutting-edge research leveraging advanced detector development, high-performance computing (HPC), and world-class engineering support. Concurrently, MSD and Q-NEXT drive state-of-the-art quantum initiatives focused on fundamental and applied quantum information science, highlighted by recent breakthroughs in NV sensor synthesis and host diamond heterointegration.

The successful candidate will operate at the interface of these programs, playing a central role in developing and optimizing next-generation diamond membrane quantum sensors to enable precision electromagnetic field mapping in HEP experiments. This position bridges detector R&D, materials science, and quantum information science, offering unique opportunities to design, synthesize, and characterize NV diamond sensors tailored for demanding experimental environments. The postdoctoral researcher will drive the integration of these sensors into microelectronic and photonic platforms, validate their performance in laboratory and operational testbeds, and contribute to developing scalable, field-ready modules for future experiments. This interdisciplinary work allows early-career researchers to build highly valuable expertise across quantum information science, materials science, engineering, and particle physics.

Please feel free to contact Peter Winter ([e-mail]) or Nazar Delegan ([e-mail]) for more details and questions on the position.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in field of Physics, Astronomy, or Quantum Engineering
• Considerable analytical skills are necessary to develop and improve techniques for data analysis
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and effective troubleshooting ability are required
• Ability to produce scientific reports, present ideas and proposals to scientists and engineers, and maintain proficiency in written and oral communication
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Additional Information

• Prior experience with or a strong interest in any of the following areas will set candidates up for success: condensed matter and materials physics (specifically spin and detector physics), device synthesis, and quantum materials (including optics, photonics, spectroscopy, and optically active point defects).
• Familiarity with nanofabrication (optical and e-beam lithography), microwave engineering, hardware systems (detector setups, electronics, and NMR), or programming for data analysis and system modeling is a plus.

Job Family

• Postdoctoral
• Postdoctoral Appointee
• Worker Type: Long-Term (Fixed Term)
• Time Type: Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00. 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.

Applications will be given full consideration by October 1st 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

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