Post-Doctoral Researcher - Quantum Sensing for Fundamental Physics

Engineering a world of possibilities

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.

HOW TO APPLY

Review of applications will be ongoing and continue until filled. Applicants must complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, veteran status) and upload the following:

• CV including publication list

• List of three professional references

It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at  [email protected] or 303.273.3250 for assistance.
 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for this position. Contact Kathleen Feighny in HR with any questions at [email protected].

ABOUT MINES AND GOLDEN, CO

When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 36 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2025).

Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.

At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.

That size – roughly 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students – also translates to a close-knit campus community, where employees have opportunities to get involved in multiple ways, continued professional learning is valued and everyone can make an impact.

Community Alliance groups bring together employees for professional development, networking, cultural awareness and community involvement, and all Mines employees also have access to the wealth of activities happening every day on campus – nationally-renowned speakers, special events and Mines traditions like Engineering Days, just to name a few.

And don’t get us started on our hometown. We are located in the heart of Golden, Colorado --with its charming historic downtown and nearby hiking trails – and in close proximity to all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. That includes the sunny, high-altitude climate and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that make the Denver area an ideal place to live, work and play.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a community where our individual perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons.  Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.
 

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce. Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting