Postdoctoral Appointee-Terahertz Cavity Antiferromagnonics

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

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to advance terahertz and spintronic research, including design, fabrication, and characterization of terahertz resonators and related experiments.

The role focuses on growing epitaxial oxide thin films, setting up free-space terahertz and optical experiments, and collaborating across disciplines to push cryogenic cavity-spin systems with antiferromagnetic materials. A PhD and strong programming skills are required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in terahertz generation and characterization, free-space optic experiments, antiferromagnetic spintronics, or cavity spintronics.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

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.

Skills

Terahertz generation

Free-space optics

Antiferromagnetic spintronics

Cavity spintronics

Scientific software development

Education

Ph.D in Condensed Matter Physics / AMO Physics / Electrical Engineering / Materials Science

Tools

Python

COMSOL

HFSS

Job description

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.

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 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.

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