Postdoctoral Appointee - Quantum Magnetometry for High-Energy Physics

argonne; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher focused on applied nitrogen-vacancy diamond quantum magnetometry for high-energy physics experiments. The role spans detector R&D, materials science, and quantum information science to develop and validate next-generation diamond membrane quantum sensors in multidisciplinary settings.

The successful candidate will synthesize and integrate sensors for photonic platforms, validating performance in laboratory and

Qualifications

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within last 0–5 years) in Physics, Astronomy, or Quantum Engineering.
• Strong analytical skills for data analysis and technique development.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and effective troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and integrate NV diamond sensors for quantum magnetometry in HEP experiments.
• Collaborate to design, synthesize, and characterize sensors for integrated microelectronic and photonic platforms.
• Validate sensor performance in lab and field testbeds and contribute to scalable, field-ready modules.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Written and oral communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Education

PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or Quantum Engineering

Tools

Nanofabrication

Microwave engineering

Hardware systems

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
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Additional Information

• While these are not prerequisites for applying, 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).
• Also, 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.

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

Job Family: Postdoctoral

Job Profile: 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.

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.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.