Postdoctoral Researcher – Superconducting Detector Development and CMB Instrumentation

Argonne National Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 72,879 - 121,465; Full time

Job summary

A leading research facility invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position focused on superconducting detector development for Cosmic Microwave Background studies. Responsibilities include designing, fabricating, and characterizing superconducting devices. Ideal candidates hold a recent PhD and possess experience in superconducting devices and low-temperature systems. The salary range is $72,879 - $121,465, reflecting qualifications and responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in a relevant field.
• Experience in developing superconducting devices or related technologies.
• Ability to engage in low-noise cryogenic measurement techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate superconducting devices for CMB measurements.
• Support exploration of novel applications for superconducting detectors.
• Collaborate with physicists and engineers in advanced instrumentation development.

Skills

Superconducting devices

Quantum devices

Low-temperature systems

Microelectronics

Nanoelectronics

Education

PhD in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field

Tools

Microwave resonator design

Cryogenic measurement techniques

Thin-film deposition

Lithography

Etching techniques

Job description

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

As a member of Argonne’s High Energy Physics Division, the successful candidate will contribute to the design, fabrication, and characterization of superconducting devices based on microstrip-coupled TES technology, with the goal of delivering focal plane arrays for the South Pole Telescope. The position also offers opportunities to pursue broader research in emerging applications of superconducting detectors and related quantum devices.

Research Focus

The primary focus of this role is to design, fabricate, characterize, integrate, and deploy superconducting detectors and devices as part of a multidisciplinary team developing advanced instrumentation for CMB measurements at remote sites, including the South Pole.

In addition to CMB instrumentation, the position offers opportunities to investigate novel materials and superconducting device concepts for applications in:

• Dark matter detection
• Neutrino measurements
• Millimeter‑wave line intensity mapping surveys
• 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), while also working closely with partners at universities and national laboratories.

The Argonne team combines expertise in:

• 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 Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• 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

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.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case‑by‑case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.