QUP Postdoctoral Fellows in Experimental Physics

KEK, QUP
Position ID:
KEK -QUP -POSTDOC19 [#30165, KEK-QUP-PD2025-1]
Position Title: 
Position Location:
Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan [map ]
Subject Areas: 
Particle Physics
High Energy Physics
Electrical Engineering
Cosmology/Particle Astrophysics
Nuclear Physics (more...)
Data Science / Machine Learning
Appl Deadline:
2025/08/31 11:59PM (posted 2025/06/26, updated 2025/06/22, listed until 2025/12/31)
Position Description:
  Apply    
Position Description
We are seeking outstanding applicants for approximately ten Postdoctoral Fellow positions at QUP in experimental physics.
The International Center for Quantum-field Measurement Systems for Studies of the Universe and Particles (QUP) is a World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) promoted by the Japanese government and hosted by the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), the leading national high energy physics laboratory in Japan. 
QUP aims to explore new quantum fields and forces and probe physical phenomena with extremely weak couplings, such as light dark matter, axions, and gravitational waves, by pioneering the weak coupling frontier through the use of cutting-edge quantum sensors and devices. QUP operates under a distinctive organizational model in which researchers from a broad range of institutions, including KEK, converge at QUP to pursue common scientific objectives. QUP's principal research activities are conducted at its central facility, with additional support provided by satellite laboratories at the University of California at Berkeley (USA), Toyota Central R&D Lab., and ISAS at the Japanese space agency JAXA. These programs are designed to bridge quantum technologies with particle and fundamental physics, materials science, and biomedical applications through deeply coordinated, intra-institutional collaboration. 
Successful candidates are expected to conduct research for the QUP experimental projects with the Principal Investigators. A brief list of the projects can be found at the end. An overview of the QUP research, including the relationship between the projects, can be found at: https://www2.kek.jp/qup/en/research/ .
The contract for this postdoctoral fellowship will be on an annual basis. The renewal of the contract depends on the continuing availability of funds and the fellow's satisfactory job performance. The maximum term of the position is three years, with the possibility of a two-year renewal based upon satisfactory job performance and ongoing operational need, provided with salaries comparable to those at other prestigious institutions.
As a WPI research center, QUP is designed to establish an international environment where more than 30% of researchers are non-Japanese. English is the official language of QUP. QUP is an equal opportunity employer that will build a diverse community of scientists. We welcome qualified applicants worldwide, including women, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, etc.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field by the time the appointment begins. The posting shall remain open until the positions are filled. However, for full consideration, we encourage all candidates to apply by August 31, 2025. Applications will only be accepted via AcademicJobsOnline.org. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (with an email address and citizenship), a statement of research interests, and a list of publications. Applicants should also ensure that at least three letters of reference be submitted on their behalf. They should be uploaded from this page. Email inquiries  regarding the application process may be sent to :  qup_job_inquiry@ml.post.kek.jp
List of research description (with the Principal Investigators)

• Optical TES (Kaori Hattori) 

The group focuses on experimental dark matter search using Transition-Edge Sensors (TESs) that are sensitive to sub-eV signals. The main responsibilities include R&D on TES arrays and superconducting readout. Candidates with experience in low-temperature detectors, cryogenics, or photon detectors are encouraged.

• TES Basic Development (Hiroki Akamatsu, Adrian Lee, Masaya Hasegawa) 

We are advancing TES characterization systems and applications across multiple fields. We seek scientists with hands-on experience in cryogenic setups or those highly motivated to face new challenges.

• Kamioka Dark Matter (Maurice Garcia-Sciveres) 

The project searches for low-mass particle dark matter at the new underground Cryolab facility in Kamioka. Strongly connected with other TES research activities.

• Solar Axion Search by TES (Noriko Yamasaki) 

We are looking for new TES applications, such as for Solar Axion searches. We can design and fabricate TES microcalorimeters in the QUP and QUP satellite facility at ISAS. New multiplexing readout technology using rf-SQUID with GHz resonators is under development.

• QED test by TES (TBA) 

We apply TES detectors, covering from 1 to 200 keV, to test bound-state quantum electrodynamics (BSQED) in strong-field regimes by measuring X-rays from exotic atoms, like muonic atoms. This also aims to support nuclear physics through precise nuclear charge radius determination. Applicants interested in atomic and nuclear physics, especially those focused on high-precision methods, are encouraged to apply.

• Dark Photon/Axion search with Penning trap (TBA) 

This project uses a milli-Kelvin Penning trap to confine and cool a single electron, representing a magnetic-field-tolerant photon detector. Candidates with a background in ion/electron trapping and cryogenic instrumentation are encouraged to apply. The trap integrates with an axion-conversion antenna and incorporates superconducting amplifiers and cutting-edge cryogenic technologies.

• Dark Photon/Axion search with by qubit (Tatsumi Nitta) 

This project develops and measures superconducting qubits for quantum sensing applications in dark matter searches. Candidates experienced in cryogenics, RF engineering, MEMS, or dark matter detection are encouraged to apply, although prior experience is not essential. Highly motivated individuals without experience are welcome.

• Axion search with NV diamond (Hideo Iizuka) 

We seek candidates to develop an optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) system using NV diamond for axion searches with skills in ODMR and relevant measurements.

• Gravitational Wave with SRF (Tatsumi Nitta) 

We focus on designing and measuring high-frequency gravitational wave detectors with superconducting RF cavities. Candidates skilled in cavity engineering, cryogenics, or gravitational wave detection are encouraged to apply, though prior experience is not required. Highly motivated individuals without experience are welcome.

• Antimatter Gravity (TBA) 

We pursue high-precision manipulation of hydrogen atoms for measuring antimatter gravity using atomic fountain techniques. This involves developing atomic fountain systems and high-intensity, short-wavelength laser technologies. We welcome candidates interested in atomic and laser physics, eager to enhance precision measurement technologies in fundamental physics.

• Casimir Force (Hideo Iizuka) 

We seek candidates to develop a Casimir force measurement system for quantum field searches, requiring skills in fabrication, measurement at the nanoscale, and knowledge of electromagnetics.

• Cryo ASIC (Masaya Miyahara) 

We look for candidates interested in research on cryogenic CMOS integrated circuits essential for future quantum bit control in quantum computers and dark matter searches, who possess experience in developing integrated circuits or related electronics.

• Rad-hard device (Daniela Bortoletto, Tadayuki Takahashi, Manabu Togawa) 

We focus on developing and characterizing devices for extreme radiation environments, including new materials and detector configurations.

• Hard X-ray and Gamma-ray imaging (Tadayuki Takahashi, Manabu Togawa) 

This project develops a hard X-ray and gamma-ray imaging system using semiconductor detectors like Si, CdTe, and CZT, covering the entire development cycle from material design to system integration for a variety of applications, including particle physics,  astrophysics, medical research, and non-destructive analysis.

• AI (Yu Nakahama, Tadayuki Takahashi) 

We focus on AI applications in technology fields such as radiation-hard devices, non-destructive element analysis, and medical imaging. An interdisciplinary approach beyond particle physics is also encouraged.
Application Materials Required:
Further Info:
https://www2.kek.jp/qup/en/
＋81 29 864 5564
 
KEK QUP
Oho 1-1,
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan 305-0801