Postdoctoral Research Opportunity: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Penning-Trap Quantum Sensing – Princeton University

Postdoctoral Research Opportunity: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Penning-Trap Quantum Sensing – Princeton University

• Institution: Princeton University

• Department: Department of Physics

• Research Group: Udrescu Lab

• Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate / More Senior Researcher

• Interfolio ID: 194503

• Appointment Type: Full-Time Research Appointment

• Location: Princeton University, New Jersey, United States

• Primary Work Mode: Primarily in-person

• Research Area: Penning-trap experiments, quantum sensing, and precision tests of fundamental symmetries

• Salary – Postdoctoral Research Associate: Approximately INR 61.73 lakh – INR 66.48 lakh annually

• Salary – More Senior Researcher: USD 73,700 – USD 79,000 annually

• Open Date: October 15, 2026

• Application Deadline: August 1, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

• Visa Note: Not eligible for H-1B sponsorship requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorship may be available as appropriate

Overview of the Opportunity

Princeton University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate or more senior researcher to develop Penning-trap experiments for quantum sensing and precision studies of fundamental symmetries using trapped atomic and molecular ions.

The successful candidate will join the Udrescu Lab in the Department of Physics and play a leading role in developing experiments involving negatively charged species and radioactive atoms and molecules.

The work will particularly focus on studying the low-energy nuclear structure of protactinium-229 and trapping and cooling thorium negative ions (Th⁻).

Research Focus

The position involves research in areas such as:

• Penning-trap physics

• Quantum sensing

• Precision measurements

• Fundamental symmetries

• Atomic and molecular ions

• Radioactive atoms and molecules

• Ion trapping and manipulation

• Cryogenic experimental systems

• Charged-particle detection

• Low-noise electronics

• Laser spectroscopy

• Ion optics

• Laser cooling

• Rare-isotope physics

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the design and commissioning of experimental apparatus.

• Develop Penning-trap experiments.

• Carry out independent research projects.

• Integrate hardware and software for experimental control.

• Develop data-acquisition systems.

• Mentor junior researchers.

• Collaborate with external laboratories.

• Work with rare-isotope facilities.

• Contribute to long-term experimental research programmes.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A doctoral degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start of the appointment.

• Hands-on experience designing, constructing, and troubleshooting scientific instruments.

• Prior experience designing and building Penning traps.

• Experience integrating experimental hardware and software.

• Experience with experimental control and data acquisition.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to work collaboratively.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

Particularly relevant experience includes:

• Designing, constructing, and commissioning Penning traps.

• Ion loading, confinement, cooling, and detection.

• Non-neutral plasma control.

• Rotating-wall techniques.

• Ultrahigh-vacuum systems.

• Cryogenics.

• Superconducting magnets.

• Low-noise electronics.

• Radiofrequency techniques.

• Precision electrode-voltage control.

• Electrostatic modelling.

• Charged-particle trajectory simulations.

• SIMION or COMSOL.

• Laser spectroscopy.

• Laser stabilization.

• Laser cooling.

• Electron detection.

• Charged-particle spectroscopy.

• Radioactive-ion experiments.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

• Have strong technical and experimental abilities.

• Be an effective troubleshooter.

• Demonstrate independence in developing experimental apparatus.

• Work effectively within collaborative research teams.

• Have experience mentoring students.

• Be capable of developing experiments around challenging scientific questions.

Appointment Duration

For candidates appointed at the postdoctoral rank:

• Initial appointment: 1 year

• Renewable annually

• Renewal depends on funding and continued fulfilment of appointment requirements

Candidates hired at a more senior research rank may receive multi-year appointments.

Salary / Remuneration

For the Postdoctoral Research Associate rank, the salary range is:

USD 65,000 – USD 70,000 annually

Approximately:

INR 61.73 lakh – INR 66.48 lakh annually

For the more senior researcher rank, the advertised range is:

USD 73,700 – USD 79,000 annually

Final compensation depends on appointment rank, qualifications, experience, and University considerations.

Application Checklist

Applicants must submit:

1. Cover Letter

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Contact Information for Three References

Reference letters will be requested only from shortlisted candidates.

Nature of Appointment

• Postdoctoral Research Associate or More Senior Researcher

• Full-Time

• Experimental Research Position

• Primarily In-Person

• Initial Postdoctoral Term: 1 Year

• Renewable subject to funding and requirements

Important Dates

• Open Date: October 15, 2026

• Application Deadline: August 1, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Visa Information

The position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship requiring consular processing.

However, Princeton states that other forms of visa sponsorship, including some H-1B cases not requiring consular processing, may be available where appropriate.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through Interfolio.

Interfolio ID: 194503

Application Link:
https://dossier.interfolio.com/apply/194503

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