Job Details

PostDoctoral Associate

Position Number: 7078377
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Science - Physics

PostDoctoral Associate

Requisition Number: 71292
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Research Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 30-Apr-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

Our research group, within the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering (ECEE) at the University of Colorado Boulder, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to lead the development of high-performance Kinetic-Inductance Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifiers (KTWPAs). This role is central to our goal of advancing the sensitivity of next-generation axion dark matter searches (e.g., BREAD). You will work at the intersection of quantum electronics and high energy physics, bridging the gap between fundamental device physics and large-scale experimental discovery.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

ECEE at CU Boulder is an outstanding undergraduate and graduate program in Colorado by reputation, rankings and size! We are also:

Part of one of the top-ranked engineering schools in the nation.
Our undergraduate electrical engineering program was ranked No. 16 among our public peers in U.S. News and World Report's Best Engineering Programs for 2025.
We are ranked No. 16 among public computer engineering programs and No. 18 among public electrical engineering programs in U.S. News and World Report's Best Graduate Schools for 2025.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Lead the development of high-performance Kinetic-Inductance Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifiers (KTWPAs).

What You Should Know

The preferred start date is July 1, 2026, but this can be flexible.

What We Can Offer

The annual salary range for this position is $85,000 - $105,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be authentic. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
Strong background in superconducting device physics and quantum sensing.
Highly proficient in microwave engineering and RF instrumentation (e.g., using vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers). Extensive experience with microwave circuit simulation tools (e.g., Sonnet, HFSS).
Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems including dilution refrigerators and adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators.

What You Will Need

Device Development: Lead the design, simulation, and optimization of KTWPAs tailored for high magnetic field environments and frequency ranges relevant to axion haloscopes.
Characterization: Perform cryogenic measurements in millikelvin refrigerators to benchmark critical metrics, including gain, noise temperature (targeting the Standard Quantum Limit), saturation power, and field sensitivity.
Collaboration: Work closely with cross-disciplinary teams, including device engineers and experimental high energy physicists, to optimize devices for high sensitivity and integration with axion detection experiments.
Mentorship: Assist in the supervision and training of graduate and undergraduate students.
Dissemination: Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present results at international conferences.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials as individual files:

Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Reference Letter(s) (Not confidential)
List of References: Please provide a document that lists the names and contact information for three professional references.
(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of PhD: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version (if applicable) as an Optional attachment.

For full consideration, please apply by April 30, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/PostDoctoral-Associate/71292