Postdoctoral Research Associate; Ge-STAR

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Ge-STAR)

The Department of Physics at the University of South Dakota is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Ge-STAR (Germanium-Based Science and Technology and Advanced Research) project. This position is funded by the NSF EPSCoR RIIE-RISE program and focuses on the end-to-end development of high-purity germanium (HPGe) technology. The successful candidate will contribute to a multi-disciplinary team focused on HPGe crystal growth, detector fabrication, and applications spanning from fundamental physics to emerging quantum technologies.

Key Research Areas

• Detector Development:
  Fabricating and characterizing HPGe detectors for low-mass dark matter searches and medical imaging applications.
• Crystal Growth:
  Advancing high-purity germanium crystal growth and zone-refining techniques.
• Quantum Technology:
  Developing emerging platforms, specifically germanium hole-spin qubits and next-generation quantum sensors.
• AI Integration:
  Collaborating with AI experts to integrate machine learning and autonomous agents into the crystal growth and device development workflow.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in experimental condensed matter physics, nuclear/particle physics, or cryogenic measurements.
• Experience with semiconductor device fabrication or crystal growth is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students within the Ge-STAR consortium.

Appointment Details

• Duration:
  The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal for two additional years (up to three years total) based on performance and fund availability.
• Location:
  
  Vermillion, South Dakota.
• Start Date:
  
  Negotiable, but an early start is preferred to align with the summer research cycle.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the contact information for three references.