Research Aide - XSD - Fontana, Alessio - 5.27./26

Research Aide Project: Enhanced Readout Electronics for TES and Superconducting Detector Systems
 

Project Description

This project will support the upgrade of readout electronics for transition edge sensors (TES) and superconducting electronics through two complementary efforts. First, it will renovate and improve the existing ROACH-based readout for 11-ID-D, with the goal of doubling the available bandwidth and increasing multiplexing capability, throughput, and overall system performance. This work will focus on firmware, signal-processing, and hardware integration updates needed to extend the utility of the current architecture for demanding TES applications. In addition to benefiting beamline operations, these improvements will also directly support a recently launched QIS-LDRD effort within the group by providing enhanced readout capability relevant to its superconducting sensor and electronics needs.

Second, the project will implement an RFSoC-based readout system for 29-ID. Rather than pursuing a new RFSoC technology development effort, this work will focus on adopting and deploying a readout approach that is new to the group, with the aim of establishing in-house capability in a more modern, compact, and higher-performance platform for superconducting electronics. The RFSoC system is expected to simplify the readout chain by integrating high-speed data conversion and processing resources into a single architecture, while also providing greater flexibility and scalability for future detector and instrumentation efforts.

Together, these activities will strengthen the laboratory’s capabilities in TES and superconducting electronics readout, address current beamline instrumentation needs, benefit related quantum information science efforts, and establish a path toward more scalable, maintainable, and higher-bandwidth readout solutions for next-generation experiments.

Education and Experience Requirements

• The entirety of the appointment must be conducted within the United States.
• Applicants must be:

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited institution.
• Graduated from an accredited institution within the past 3 months; or
• Actively enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited institution.

• Must be 18 years or older at the time the appointment begins.
• Must possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• If accepting an offer, candidates may be required to complete pre-employment drug testing based on appointment length. All students remain subject to applicable drug testing policies.
• Must complete a satisfactory background check.

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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EEO Information

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.