Postdoctoral Appointee - Advanced Optical Probes and Atomic/Ion Clocks, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories; New Mexico; On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Affordable housing

Minimal traffic congestion

Internal collaboration opportunities

Job summary

Sandia National Laboratories seeks outstanding Postdoctoral Appointees to support research on advanced optical probes for sensing, including spectroscopy and atomic/ion clocks. The AMO/Sensors & Tech Dev team pursues cutting-edge national-security relevant projects with strong facilities and collaboration.

Duties include hands-on laser optics, optical alignment, data analysis, and contributions to quantum sensing programs.

Qualifications

• PhD in atomic, molecular, or optical physics or physical materials science or chemistry.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an L-level security clearance.
• Experience in laser optics, photon counting, entangled photon sources, microscopy or related AMO fields.

Responsibilities

• Support research projects developing advanced optical probes for sensing applications.
• Collaborate with the Quantum/AMO Sensors & Tech Dev Department at Sandia.
• Contribute to spectroscopy and atomic/ion clock initiatives and publish findings.

Skills

laser optics

single photon counting

entangled photon sources

microscopy & imaging

diode laser systems

fiber optics

optical alignment

computer control

Education

PhD in atomic, molecular, or optical physics or physical materials science or chemistry

Tools

Matlab

Python

Mathematica

Job description

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Postdoctoral Appointee - Advanced Optical Probes and Atomic/Ion Clocks, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

Extraordinary co-workers

Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov

*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking outstanding Postdoctoral Appointees to support research projects developing advanced optical probes for sensing applications such as spectroscopy and atomic/ion clocks. The atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO)and quantum sensing and technology development department performs cutting-edge research on a broad range of national security relevant projects including development of microwave clocks based on trapped ions, compact/low power/fieldable atomic clocks, optically pumped magnetometers, inertial sensing with atom interferometers, optical comb development for remote spectroscopy, and entangled photon imaging detection.

*Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Qualifications We Require:

A PhD in atomic, molecular, or optical, physics or physical materials science or chemistry conferred within five (5) years prior to employment.

Ability to obtain and maintain an L-level security clearance.

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

laser optics

single photon counting techniques

entangled photon sources

microscopy and imaging

diode laser systems and fiber optics

optical alignment

computer control of experiments and electronic equipment

Qualifications We Desire:

Track record of successful research and development in AMO-relevant fields

Experience with one or more of the following:

Hands-on time with laser alignment and optical systems

Data acquisition, signal processing, and data analysis

Artificial intelligence tools

Matlab, Mathematica, Python

Outstanding academic/research record

Strong oral, written, interpersonal and organization skills, including the ability to collaborate well in a diverse team environment and develop positive relationships.

About Our Team:

The Quantum/AMO Sensors & Tech Dev Department leverages a diverse capability set to provide science and technology products to enhance Sandia's national security missions. The department includes a broad range of expertise including quantum sensors based on atomic/molecular/optical (AMO) physics, micro-optics, x-ray imaging, and laser spectroscopy. As part of the Microsystems Engineering Sciences and Applications (MESA) facility, we provide solutions including atomic physics-based sensing; optically pumped magnetometry, electrometry, neutron imaging for E-fields, atom and ion trapping devices and systems; and x-ray phase contrast imaging. In addition to work for internal Sandia organizations, we have an established record of successful engagement with external customers and technology transfer to industry.

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance:

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Position Information:

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

• Affordable housing, reasonable cost of living
• Minimal traffic congestion compared to larger cities
• At Sandia, recruiters manually review resumes on each job posting instead of using a resume screening software program
• By following the best practices outlined, this ensures that recruiters can accurately determine your qualifications for the position