Experimental postdoctoral researcher

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (PPO or HDHP)

Dental & vision insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with matching

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM, seeks a result-oriented Postdoctoral Appointee passionate about light-matter interactions and quantum photonics. On-site work involves designing, fabricating, and characterizing novel optical devices and pursuing nanoscale phenomena with publication and IP generation expectations.

Required: PhD in experimental physics or related field with recent completion; experience in mid-IR spectroscopy and strong coupling physics; demonstrated research plan

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental physics, EE, optical engineering or related field; PhD awarded within last 5 years or near completion.
• Experience with mid-IR spectroscopic characterization and monitoring of chemical reactions.
• Understanding of strong coupling to cavity polaritons or localized surface resonances.

Responsibilities

• Support research in nanophotonics, quantum optics, metamaterials, and nonlinear optics.
• Design, fabricate, and characterize optical devices, materials, and systems.
• Develop original research ideas for nanoscale phenomena.
• Report research results in top-tier journals and conferences.
• Generate new intellectual property through patent filing.

Skills

Experimental physics

Mid-IR spectroscopy

Strong coupling physics

Research planning & publications

Independent & collaborative work

Education

PhD in experimental physics or related field

Tools

COMSOL

Job description

What You Will Do

The Nanophotonics Thrust at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies is searching for a result oriented Postdoctoral Appointee who is passionate about scientific discovery in the area of light-matter interactions and quantum-photonics.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Support research in nanophotonics, quantum optics, metamaterials, and/or nonlinear optics
• Design, fabricate, and/or characterize novel optical devices, materials, and systems
• Develop original research ideas for the study of nanoscale phenomenon
• Report research results in top-tier journals and conferences
• Generate new intellectual property through patent filing

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Possess a PhD in experimental physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering or science, or a related field, and have a bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Ph.D. must have been awarded within the last 5 years or be soon to be completed.
• Experience with developing mid-IR spectroscopic characterization of surfaces and spectroscopic monitoring of chemical reactions.
• A well-developed understanding of the physics of strong material coupling to either cavity polaritons or localized surface resonances.
• Experience developing original research plans, a proven track record of invention, original publications in professional journals, and conference papers and presentations

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with micro and nano fabrication processes, tools, and metrology necessary for the development and realization of dielectric and/or plasmonic metasurfaces
• A background in optical and scanning probe microscopy techniques
• Experience utilizing spectroscopy tools for characterizing the progress of chemical reactions.
• A background in optically coupled atomic force microscopy techniques, i.e., scattering scanning near-field optical microscopy.
• Experience simulating the optical response of metasurfaces using finite element modeling techniques ( COMSOL).
• Familiarity with laboratory optical bench optics, electronics, optoelectronics, and safe use of lasers, able to design and carry out laser-based optical experiments
• A results-oriented disposition with strong interpersonal skills to work independently and 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.

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card") holders are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. 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.

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.

Internal Applicants

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as 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, state, and local 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 [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.