KEK, QUP
Position ID:
KEK-QUP-POSTDOC20 [#31520, KEK-QUP-PD2026-1]
Position Title:
QUP Postdoctoral Fellows in Experimental Physics
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
Subject Areas:
High Energy Physics
Data Science / Machine Learning
Cosmology/Particle Astrophysics
Nuclear Physics
Electrical Engineering (more...)
Data Science / Machine Learning
Cosmology/Particle Astrophysics
Nuclear Physics
Electrical Engineering (more...)
Appl Deadline:
2026/03/10 23:59:59 (posted 2026/02/04, listed until 2026/05/31)
Position Description:
Position Description
We are seeking outstanding applicants for several 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. An overview of the QUP research, including the relationship between the projects, can be found at: https://www2.kek.jp/qup/en/research/. We are particularly seeking candidates who are interested in any of the following research topics:
- Laser development for hydrogen fountain experiments aimed at antimatter gravity measurements,
- Development of TES detectors and their application to the exploration of physical phenomena with extremely weak couplings,
- Development of diamond-based quantum sensors for light dark matter searches,
- Fabrication and/or operation of superconducting qubits for searches for new physics, such as axion dark matter, and gravitational waves.
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 March 10, 2026. 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
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Publication list
- Three or more reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site
)
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: