Postdoctoral Researcher – Superconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 72,879 - 121,465; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher role focused on Superconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation. This position involves advancing arrays of Transition Edge Sensor bolometers while exploring novel superconducting detector applications.

The candidate will design and deploy detectors for complex scientific measuring environments, with access to cutting-edge research infrastructure. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, alongside an expected salary range of $72,879.00–$121,465.00.

Qualifications

• Recent or soon-to-be completed PhD within the last 0-5 years.
• Experience in the development and/or deployment of superconducting devices.
• Ability to model and support Argonne’s core values.

Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and characterize superconducting detectors.
• Integrate and deploy devices for CMB measurements.
• Investigate new materials for applications in dark-matter detection.

Skills

Superconducting devices development

Low-temperature systems

Nanofabrication

Cryogenic measurement techniques

Education

PhD in physics, electrical engineering, materials science

Tools

Thin-film deposition techniques

Electron-beam lithography

Microwave measurement techniques

Job description

Position Overview

Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position in Superconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation. The role focuses on advancing large arrays of Transition Edge Sensor (TES) bolometers for studies of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) while supporting exploration of novel applications for superconducting detectors.

Research Focus

The primary focus is to design, fabricate, characterize, integrate, and deploy superconducting detectors and devices for a multidisciplinary team developing advanced instrumentation for CMB measurements at remote sites, including the South Pole. The position also offers opportunities to investigate new materials and superconducting device concepts for applications in dark‑matter detection, neutrino measurements, millimeter‑wave line‑intensity mapping surveys, and quantum sensing.

About the Team

The postdoctoral researcher will join a highly collaborative team of physicists and engineers across Argonne’s High Energy Physics (HEP) and Materials Science Division (MSD), working closely with partners at universities and national laboratories. The team’s expertise spans:

• Superconducting detector arrays
• Thin‑film materials development
• Nanofabrication
• Cryogenic instrumentation and measurements
• Large‑array development and deployment

This work is supported by Argonne’s world‑class research infrastructure, including:

• Dilution refrigerators
• Adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators
• Low‑noise DC and RF measurement systems
• Cleanroom fabrication facilities
• Access to the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM)

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon‑to‑be completed PhD (within the last 0‑5 years) in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
• Experience in the development and/or deployment of superconducting devices, or related technologies in quantum devices, low‑temperature systems, microelectronics, or nanoelectronics.
• Experience in one or both of the following areas:
  • Design and fabrication of superconducting or related devices.
  • Low‑noise cryogenic measurement techniques at millikelvin to few‑kelvin temperatures for device characterization.
• Ability to model and support Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with transition‑edge sensors (TESs) or kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs).
• Cleanroom microfabrication processes, including: thin‑film deposition (e.g., magnetron sputtering), electron‑beam or optical lithography, dry and wet etching.
• Microwave resonator design and characterization. RF and microwave measurement techniques.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00–$121,465.00. The selected candidate will receive comprehensive benefits as part of Argonne’s total rewards package.

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.

Contact Information

For more information about opportunities at Argonne and its science program, please visit the Argonne Careers and Science & Technology pages.