Plasmonic Metasurface Nonlinear Physics - Research Internship

Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education; Natick (MA); On-site; USD 33,480 - 55,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance supplement

Relocation allowance

Training and travel allowance

Job summary

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education in Natick, Massachusetts is seeking participants for hands-on research in quantum materials and devices. Successful candidates should be U.S. citizens who have completed their sophomore year in undergraduate studies, preferably in physics. Responsibilities include conducting research, performing optical characterization, and presenting results at conferences. The role offers a stipend, health insurance supplement, and additional allowances for training and relocation.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen.
• Completed sophomore year of undergraduate study, preferably in physics.

Responsibilities

• Gain understanding of quantum materials and nonlinear optical devices through hands-on research.
• Perform characterization of samples under laser illumination.
• Analyze and calculate using methods for optical and electrical experiments.

Skills

Interest in physics

Knowledge of materials science

Understanding of electrical engineering

Education

Completed sophomore year of undergraduate study

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Earth and Geosciences

Job description

Responsibilities

• Gain an understanding of quantum materials, plasmonic nanostructures, and nonlinear optical devices that exhibit optical rectification in response to laser illumination at plasmonic resonances through hands‑on research.
• Become familiar with the design and nanofabrication of plasmonic (metallic and oxide) samples, especially optically rectifying metasurfaces and control samples with new asymmetric geometries, while maintaining high‑quality materials and understanding of quantum properties.
• Perform optical, electrical, and optoelectronic characterization of samples under laser illumination to understand resonances and the response of the electrical current to frequency, polarization, etc.
• Analyze and calculate using physical and mathematical methods, including basic understanding of quantum properties, to compare to optical and electrical experiments on these and other samples.
• Enhance presentation skills by sharing results at internal meetings, presenting at external scientific conferences (if permitted), and contributing to a peer‑reviewed publication.

Provisions

• Stipend to be determined by DEVCOM‑SC.
• Health insurance supplement (participants may purchase health insurance through ORISE).
• Relocation allowance.
• Training and travel allowance.

Security Clearance

Participants will undergo a suitability/background investigation. Any offer made is considered tentative pending a favorable outcome of the investigation.

Location

Natick, Massachusetts.

Start Date & Appointment Length

Immediate appointments; exact start date will be coordinated with selection. Appointment periods may be short‑term (<2 weeks), summer (10–12 weeks), or year‑long, extendable based on funding and project assignment.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen.
• Completed sophomore year of undergraduate study, preferably in physics.

Preferred Skills

• Interest in physics, materials science, or electrical engineering.
• Understanding of physics, materials, nanofabrication, and early interest in quantum mechanics.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen and currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of the following disciplines: Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Engineering, Physics, Earth and Geosciences. Minimum age 18 years.

Application Requirements

Complete the official application through the system, providing a Zintellect profile, educational and employment history, answers to essay questions, a PDF resume, transcripts, and one recommendation. Do not submit materials via email.