Post-Doctoral Researcher - Quantum Sensing for Fundamental Physics
The Quantum Technologies and Subatomic Physics Groups at the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) are recruiting a post-doctoral researcher for a joint position between the groups of Prof. Kyle Leach and Prof. Wouter Van De Pontseele. We seek a candidate to take a leading role in our broad experimental program, which includes the BeEST, RICOCHET, and Project 8 collaborations. The successful candidate will contribute to searches for physics Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) by developing and applying quantum sensing technologies. This work spans:
- Precision measurements of nuclear decay using superconducting tunnel junctions (BeEST).
- Low-threshold cryogenic detectors for coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (RICOCHET).
- Neutrino mass measurements using microwave sensing through Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy (Project 8).
- Exploring optical and AMO quantum technologies for rare event searches, such as levitating nanospheres for direct momentum measurements.
The successful candidate is expected to lead one or two of these four research thrusts, driving their technical and scientific goals while advising graduate students.
Primary Responsibilities
- Technical development of advanced quantum sensors (e.g., superconducting detectors, quantum-limited microwave amplifiers) for BSM physics searches.
- Low-background detection and cryogenic environment development for advanced sensors in the Colorado Underground Research Institute (CURIE).
- Develop and lead new physics research directions within the scope of the BeEST, RICOCHET, and Project 8 experiments for neutrino physics and fundamental symmetries.
- Interact with university, industry, and laboratory collaboration partners on various aspects of the technical and scientific components of the experiments, including occasional travel to NIST, UW Seattle, LLNL, PNNL, and France.
Additional Responsibilities
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed, high-level scientific or technical journals.
- Present results at national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Professional Development & Career Opportunities
This position offers unique career development benefits, providing pathways for candidates interested in academic, national lab, or industry careers. Opportunities include:
- Gaining mentorship and teaching experience through involvement in courses within Mines' nation-leading Quantum Engineering programs.
- Engaging with a broad network of academic, government, and industry partners through the 'Elevate Quantum' regional ecosystem.
Minimum Qualifications
- A PhD in Physics, Quantum Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start of the appointment.
- Demonstrated experience in mentoring junior researchers (e.g., graduate or undergraduate students).
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with superconducting sensors (e.g., TESs, STJs, MMCs, KIDs) or other cryogenic detectors.
- Experience operating dilution refrigerators and managing cryogenic systems.
- Proficiency in high-frequency/microwave measurements and RF electronics.
- Experience with electromagnetic or multiphysics simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, SONNET, Microwave Office, COMSOL).
- Knowledge of low-background physics techniques and/or low-threshold detector development.
Total Rewards
$60,000 - $70,000 annual salary rate
Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:
- Flexible health and dental care options (receive at a minimum with employee only coverage, $10,308 in medical benefits until July 1, 2026)
- Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
- Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution (you will receive 12% from Mines in a MDCP averaging $8,640 a year)
- Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
- Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and light rail transportation
All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.
Post-Doctoral Researcher - Quantum Sensing for Fundamental Physics
The Quantum Technologies and Subatomic Physics Groups at the Colorado School of Mines (Mines) are recruiting a post-doctoral researcher for a joint position between the groups of Prof. Kyle Leach and Prof. Wouter Van De Pontseele. We seek a candidate to take a leading role in our broad experimental program, which includes the BeEST, RICOCHET, and Project 8 collaborations. The successful candidate will contribute to searches for physics Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) by developing and applying quantum sensing technologies. This work spans:
- Precision measurements of nuclear decay using superconducting tunnel junctions (BeEST).
- Low-threshold cryogenic detectors for coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (RICOCHET).
- Neutrino mass measurements using microwave sensing through Cyclotron Radiation Emission Spectroscopy (Project 8).
- Exploring optical and AMO quantum technologies for rare event searches, such as levitating nanospheres for direct momentum measurements.
The successful candidate is expected to lead one or two of these four research thrusts, driving their technical and scientific goals while advising graduate students.
Primary Responsibilities
- Technical development of advanced quantum sensors (e.g., superconducting detectors, quantum-limited microwave amplifiers) for BSM physics searches.
- Low-background detection and cryogenic environment development for advanced sensors in the Colorado Underground Research Institute (CURIE).
- Develop and lead new physics research directions within the scope of the BeEST, RICOCHET, and Project 8 experiments for neutrino physics and fundamental symmetries.
- Interact with university, industry, and laboratory collaboration partners on various aspects of the technical and scientific components of the experiments, including occasional travel to NIST, UW Seattle, LLNL, PNNL, and France.
Additional Responsibilities
- Publish research results in peer-reviewed, high-level scientific or technical journals.
- Present results at national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Professional Development & Career Opportunities
This position offers unique career development benefits, providing pathways for candidates interested in academic, national lab, or industry careers. Opportunities include:
- Gaining mentorship and teaching experience through involvement in courses within Mines' nation-leading Quantum Engineering programs.
- Engaging with a broad network of academic, government, and industry partners through the 'Elevate Quantum' regional ecosystem.
Minimum Qualifications
- A PhD in Physics, Quantum Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start of the appointment.
- Demonstrated experience in mentoring junior researchers (e.g., graduate or undergraduate students).
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with superconducting sensors (e.g., TESs, STJs, MMCs, KIDs) or other cryogenic detectors.
- Experience operating dilution refrigerators and managing cryogenic systems.
- Proficiency in high-frequency/microwave measurements and RF electronics.
- Experience with electromagnetic or multiphysics simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, SONNET, Microwave Office, COMSOL).
- Knowledge of low-background physics techniques and/or low-threshold detector development.
Total Rewards
$60,000 - $70,000 annual salary rate
Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate's education, training and experience as well as the position's scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.
Colorado School of Mines offers a robust portfolio of benefits for all employees. For this role, that includes:
- Flexible health and dental care options (receive at a minimum with employee only coverage, $10,308 in medical benefits until July 1, 2026)
- Generous sick/vacation time: 13 paid holidays per year – including a week-long winter break for entire campus.
- Fully vested retirement plan on first day of employment, with generous employer contribution (you will receive 12% from Mines in a MDCP averaging $8,640 a year)
- Tuition benefits (6 credits per year for employees, 50 percent discount for dependents)
- Free RTD Ecopass for regional bus and light rail transportation
All Mines employees also have access to discount programs through the State of Colorado and free tickets for Mines Athletics home games, as well as access to the state of the art Recreation Center (fitness classes and training, swimming pool and more) and equipment rentals through the Outdoor Rec Center. We are proud to have recently opened an on campus daycare center. For more details about benefits at Mines, visit mines.edu/human-resources/benefits.
