Postdoctoral Appointee-Terahertz Cavity Antiferromagnonics

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

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral appointment focused on terahertz cavity antiferromagnonics. You will design, fabricate, and characterize terahertz resonators and integrate them with antiferromagnetic oxides to explore coherent spin dynamics.

The role requires a PhD in a related field and hands-on experience with terahertz experiments, while offering opportunities to advance quantum information science and next‑gen information processing platforms at Argonne.

Qualifications

• PhD in a related field required.
• Demonstrated experience in terahertz generation and characterization.
• Proficiency in Python or similar scientific software.

Responsibilities

• Develop terahertz coplanar resonators and characterize them.
• Set up terahertz and optical free-space experiments for cavities and antiferromagnetic oxides.
• Grow epitaxial antiferromagnetic oxide thin films (e.g., α-Fe2O3, Cr2O3, NiO) using magnetron sputtering.
• Build and measure cavity coupling with antiferromagnetic magnon modes in cryogenic systems.

Skills

Python

Terahertz generation

Free-space optics

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Scientific software development

Education

PhD in Condensed Matter / AMO / EE / Materials Science

Tools

COMSOL

HFSS

Job description

The Materials Science Division at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral appointment in the emerging field of terahertz cavity antiferromagnonics. The successful candidate will focus on developing terahertz cavity-magnonics platforms based on low-damping antiferromagnetic oxides, with an emphasis on controlling and coupling antiferromagnetic spin excitations using engineered terahertz electromagnetic environments. The broader goal of this project is to establish a new solid-state terahertz circuit system that exploits coherent spin dynamics and light-matter interaction for next-generation information processing, microelectronics, wireless communication, and quantum information science.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop terahertz coplanar resonators, including design, simulation, fabrication, and terahertz characterizations of the resonators.
• Set up terahertz and optical free-space experiments for the terahertz cavity and antiferromagnetic oxides, including thin films and bulk crystals.
• Grow epitaxial antiferromagnetic oxide thin films, such as α-Fe2O3, Cr2O3, NiO, using magnetron sputtering system.
• Build and measure cavity coupling with antiferromagnetic magnon modes in a cryogenic superconducting electromagnet.

This position description documents the general nature and level of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Ph.D degree in the field of Condensed Matter Physics, AMO physics, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Science Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in terahertz generation and characterization, free-space optic experiments, antiferromagnetic spintronics, or cavity spintronics.
• Proficiency in scientific software development (e.g., Python, COMSOL, HFSS).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred skills:

• Microwave circuit design, terahertz optics, and their characterization.
• Knowledge about near-field resonators, such as split-ring resonator and spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) resonators.
• Electromagnetic simulation for terahertz resonator design, such as COMSOL and HFSS.
• Experience with cryogenic measurements, optical cryostat, and superconducting magnetic experience.
• Knowledge about hybrid dynamic systems and cavity-enhanced light-matter interaction.
• Hands-on experience in thin film growth and characterization.

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.

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