Postdoctoral Fellow, Experimental Physics

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Experimental Physics at Indiana University Bloomington. This exciting position includes designing and optimizing experiments related to light states and involves hands-on work with lasers and optics.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in a relevant field and a strong publication record. A competitive salary of $52–59K per year is offered along with a comprehensive benefits package. Start date is expected in Spring 2026.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of appointment.
• Track record of published scientific research.
• Strong hands-on experience with lasers and optics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental design and optimization of entangled/squeezed states of light.
• Build and set up application endstations for imaging and spectroscopy.
• Work collaboratively with team members and under the direction of Prof. Chen-Ting Liao.

Skills

Scientific research with peer-reviewed publications

Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

High degree of independence

Collaborative team environment

Hands-on experience with lasers and optics

Data analysis using Matlab and Python

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Quantum Information Science, Optics, or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Physics at Indiana University Bloomington invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position (experimentalist only). The project focuses on experimental design, optimization, and construction of entangled and/or squeezed states of light for a range of applications. The role also involves building and setting up various application endstations to be used for imaging, absorption/reflection spectroscopy, and other quantum sensing techniques. Practical working knowledge and hands‑on experience with lasers and optics, spanning both visible and infrared wavelengths, are required. In this exciting role and project, you will work under the direction of Prof. Chen‑Ting Liao and in collaboration with other team members and collaborators. For additional information about the Liao research group, please visit https://sites.google.com/view/chentingliao/

Position Details

• Title: Postdoctoral Fellow, Experimental Physics
• Appointment Status: Non‑Tenure Track
• Department: IU Bloomington Physics
• Location: Bloomington, Indiana, U.S.A.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Quantum Information Science, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field at the time of appointment (ABD candidates will be considered).
• Track records of scientific research with peer‑reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
• High degree of independence and ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong hands‑on experience with lasers, optics, and imaging/spectroscopy systems.
• Experience with data analysis using Matlab, Python, etc.
• Some experience using software to automate experimental controls.

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae (including completed degrees, list of publications, research experience, and expertise).
• Letter of Application (cover letter).
• Contact information of at least two references.
• Applications should be submitted through the application portal located at https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/32498.

Expected Start Date

Expected Start Date: Spring 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting 4/15/26 and will continue until the position is filled.

Salary and Rank

Salary: $52–59 K per year. The initial appointment will be for 1 year with potential 1–2 year extensions based on performance, mutual agreement, and funding availability. A competitive benefits package will be offered by the University.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Indiana University is an equal‑opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non‑Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Contact

Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to Prof. Chen‑Ting Liao (Liao3[at]IU.edu).

Posting Number

IU‑101519‑2026