Postdoctoral Research Associate

Northeastern University; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University’s DeLTA Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to design and fabricate photonic cavities for strong light–matter coupling and to develop on‑chip ultrafast transport platforms. The appointment is funded by NSF CAREER and initially for one year, renewable pending performance and funding.

Work involves collaboration with the College of Engineering and Kostas cleanroom facilities.

Qualifications

• PhD or foreign equivalent in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of electromagnetic and photonic device design, micro‑and nanofabrication, and optical or electrical characterization.
• Ability to design, fabricate, and test optical cavities and high-frequency electronic devices.
• Ability to perform electromagnetic simulations, such as FDTD or finite-element methods.
• Ability to independently plan experiments, analyze data, and communicate results in peer‑reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Photonic cavity design and fabrication, including IR/mid-IR DBR microcavities and THz cavities.
• On‑chip ultrafast transport platforms design and fabrication in Kostas cleanroom.
• Device testing with time-resolved optical and electrical measurements, pumping and THz spectroscopy.
• Analyze data, prepare manuscripts, present results at meetings and conferences.
• Mentor graduate, undergraduate, and co‑op researchers; maintain safe lab practices.

Skills

Electromagnetic simulations

Photonic device design

Micro/nanofabrication

Optical/electrical characterization

Experimental planning & data analysis

Peer‑reviewed publication writing

Cleanroom nanofabrication

Photonic/THz cavity design

Ultrafast optics & cryogenic tech

Education

PhD in Physics / Applied Physics / EE / Materials Science

Job description

Job Summary

The DeLTA Lab, led by Professor Alberto de la Torre, studies how light can be used to control and engineer new phases of matter in quantum materials and has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The position is funded by Professor de la Torre’s National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award, "Engineering order in frustrated quantum materials via strong light-matter coupling."

About The Opportunity

The DeLTA Lab, led by Professor Alberto de la Torre, studies how light can be used to control and engineer new phases of matter in quantum materials and has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The position is funded by Professor de la Torre’s National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award, "Engineering order in frustrated quantum materials via strong light-matter coupling."

The postdoctoral researcher will design and fabricate photonic cavities for strong light-matter coupling at infrared (IR) and terahertz (THz) frequencies and develop on‑chip ultrafast transport platforms. Both platforms will be integrated with exfoliated flakes and thin films of frustrated quantum materials and characterized with the lab’s time-resolved optical, THz, and second‑harmonic‑generation spectroscopies, including a 7 T, 1.5 K optical cryostat fitted with radio frequency (RF) leads.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with collaborators in the College of Engineering, fabricate devices in the Kostas cleanroom, and help mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers, including co‑op researchers. The appointment is for one year and is renewable for a second year contingent on satisfactory performance and continued funding.

Required

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD or foreign equivalent in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field, completed by the start date
• Knowledge of electromagnetic and photonic device design, micro‑and nanofabrication, and optical or electrical characterization of materials, as normally acquired through a PhD in the field
• Ability to design, fabricate, and test optical cavities and/or high-frequency electronic devices
• Ability to perform electromagnetic simulations, such as finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) or finite-element methods
• Ability to independently plan experiments, analyze data, and communicate results in peer-reviewed publications

Preferred

• Hands‑on experience with cleanroom nanofabrication, such as lithography, thin‑film deposition, and etching
• Experience designing photonic, THz, or microwave cavities
• Experience with ultrafast optics, THz or on‑chip picosecond electronics, superconducting devices, or cryogenic measurements

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Photonic Cavity Design and Fabrication (30%): Design, simulate, and fabricate photonic cavities, including IR/mid-IR distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) microcavities and quartz/vacuum THz cavities, resonant with collective excitations of target quantum materials using FDTD and inverse-design methods. Integrate exfoliated flakes and thin films into the cavities and characterize the cavity response and light-matter coupling with optical and THz spectroscopy
• On‑Chip Ultrafast Transport Platforms (30%): Design and fabricate on‑chip ultrafast transport platforms based on photoconductive Auston switches and coplanar waveguides. Perform device processing at the Kostas cleanroom, including lithography, deposition, etching, and wire bonding
• Device Testing and Measurement (20%): Test and benchmark the devices using time-resolved optical and electrical measurements, including pump‑probe photoconductive sampling, THz time‑domain spectroscopy, and second-harmonic generation, at room temperature and in the 7 T, 1.5 K optical cryostat. Use these platforms to measure light‑induced changes in the transport and optical properties of frustrated quantum materials
• Research Communication (10%): Analyze data, prepare manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals, present results at group meetings and international conferences, including the American Physical Society (APS) March Meeting and the Conference on Lasers and Electro‑Optics (CLEO), and contribute to project reports and proposals
• Mentoring and Laboratory Practices (10%): Mentor and train graduate, undergraduate, and co‑op researchers in device design, cleanroom fabrication, and ultrafast measurement techniques, and help maintain safe laboratory and cleanroom practices. The position carries no formal teaching duties

Required Documents

• Resume

Position Type

Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type

108S

Expected Hiring Range

$60,315.00 - $85,192.50

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.