Postdoctoral Scholar in Superconducting Detector Development

More Information

• Address: Shuangqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
• Qualification: PhD
• Discipline: Science & Engineering
• Department/School Website: astro.tsinghua.edu.cn

Employer: Tsinghua University (website)

The Department of Astronomy (DoA) at Tsinghua University in China and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research (Utrecht) in the Netherlands jointly invite applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position in the development of transition-edge sensor (TES) technology for X-ray astronomy.

Tsinghua University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China and is also one of the best in the world. Besides its diverse areas of astrophysics research, DoA is also highly committed to instrumentation for astronomical applications. It is leading an effort to advance the Hot Universe Baryon Surveyor (HUBS) mission concept, designed to address a number of issues that are critical to the understanding of galaxy formation and evolution, and is developing TES-based microcalorimeters for HUBS, in close collaboration with SRON. SRON has a prominent track record in the development of TES technology for space instruments, either at X-ray or Far-Infrared wavelength. It is developing TES-based microcalorimeters, as well as the associated readout technology, for ESA’s Athena mission.

The successful applicant should have a Ph.D. in experimental physics, material science, electrical engineering, or other related fields. Knowledge of astrophysics is desirable but not required. He/she will be involved in all aspects of TES development, including the deposition of superconducting films, design and fabrication of devices, and cryogenic characterization of devices. Past experience in nanofabrication or superconducting devices and detectors is, therefore, highly valued; additional experience with space instrumentation is a plus. Although the position is formally affiliated with DoA, the successful applicant is expected to also spend a substantial period of time at SRON. Details of the arrangement can be negotiated.

A complete application should include a curriculum vita, a list of publications, a statement of previous research, and the names and contact information of three references, all in one PDF file, and be sent via email to: wang-xiaojing@tsinghua.edu.cn. The appointment is for two years, renewable for a third year upon mutual agreement. The successful applicant will be offered a competitive salary (commensurate with background and experience), fringe benefits, and subsidized housing in Beijing. Supplemental support might also be available when staying at SRON, contingent upon funding. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

Contact for Inquiries

Contact: Prof. Wei Cui
Email: cui@tsinghua.edu.cn

Contact: Dr. Jian-Rong Gao
Email: j.r.gao@sron.nl