Postdoctoral Research Associate in Experimental Quantum Optics and Metasurfaces

What You Will Do

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) in the Materials Physics and Applications (MPA) Division is seeking an outstanding postdoctoral research associate in experimental quantum optics to carry out collaborative research in the efficient generation of quantum light by exploiting judiciously designed resonant nonlinear metasurfaces. CINT carries out basic and applied research to provide the scientific basis for integration of nanoscale materials and for enhanced performance. CINT seeks to detect, understand and control fundamental photonic and electromagnetic interactions in nanostructured optical and heterogeneous materials. To enable technologies that impact national priorities, we design, discover and implement optical nanomaterials and photonics phenomena, with cultivated capabilities including optoelectronic, nonlinear and quantum metasurfaces.

The project involves designing nonlinear optical metasurfaces through numerical simulations, nanofabrication of nonlinear metasurfaces using clean room facility, establishing experimental capability for the characterization of these metasurfaces, and measurements of photon entanglement and quantum correlation. The primary focus of this position is the development of quantum optics experimental capability and applying it to characterize nonlinear metasurfaces and photon correlations. Candidates with additional expertise in micro-/nano-fabrication, ultrafast optics and spectroscopy, and numerical simulations are strongly encouraged to apply. Exceptional candidates will be eligible for nomination for the Director’s Postdoctoral Fellowship.

The successful candidate is expected to publish papers in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and to present project outcomes at conferences.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • A PhD degree in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related STEM field, completed within the last five years, or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by commencement of appointment.
  • Expertise in experimental techniques for quantum optics.
  • Demonstrated record of scientific achievement through publications.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by publications, research proposals, and technical presentations.
  • Ability to conduct research independently.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in metamaterials and metasurfaces.
  • Experience in micro- and nano-fabrication processes, tools, and metrology.
  • Experience in ultrafast, nonlinear optics and spectroscopy.
  • Experience in modeling photonic systems using FDTD and/or finite element methods.
  • Experience in collaborating with theorists.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work in a collaborative group environment.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Salary: Competitive salaries are based on the date the PhD degree requirements were completed or the degree was awarded. Starting salary for a new graduate is currently $94,500. For more information go to Postdoc Program website at https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/postdoctoral-research/index.php.

Note to Applicants:
  • The appointment is for 2 years, with a possible extension for the 3rd year.
  • In addition to your CV, please send cover letter detailing how you satisfy the minimum job requirements and name of three references to Dr. Hou-Tong Chen (chenht@lanl.gov).
Where You Will Work

Located in northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. LANL enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 – Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-664-6947 option 2 and then option 3.

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