Postdoctoral Research Associate - Physics

Position Summary

The Astrophysics, Particle Astrophysics, and Space Sciences group of the Department of Physics at WashU in St. Louis invites applications for a postdoctoral position, for a negotiable start around September 6, 2026. The appointment is expected to be up to 2 years with subsequent year-to-year extension depending on performance and funding.

The postdoc will work in the group of Prof. Karthik Ramanathan, primarily on the development of novel superconducting detectors for particle physics applications. These include qubit-based detectors (QPDs/SQUATs) and Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs). The project scope is expected to run the gamut from design to on-site nano-fabrication to device testing in the group’s dilution refrigerator, along with analyzing collected data. There is scope to define additional sub-projects and interface with a larger experimental collaboration.

• Design of superconducting detectors.
• On-site nano-fabrication of detector components.
• Device testing in the dilution refrigerator.
• Analysis of collected data.
• Development of sub‑eV energy calibration techniques (optional).

Required qualifications:

• Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.
• No specific work experience required.
• No specific skills required.
• Driver’s license not required.
• No specific certification or professional license required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ph.D. in physics or related field prior to start date.
• Experience with superconducting device design, cryogenics, and nanofabrication.
• Background in quantum information science or experience with superconducting transmons.

Washington University in St. Louis offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status and full‑time equivalent workload. Employees can find more information at the university’s benefit webpage.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.