Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Optics and Bioimaging

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Optics and Bioimaging to develop squeezed-light sensing and quantum-enhanced microscopy for label-free imaging of cells and tissues.

The successful candidate will join the Quantum Computing and Sensing Group within the CCSD, collaborating with biologists and physicists to advance imaging techniques, publish results, and contribute to technology development at ORNL.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, optics, photonics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or related field.
• Hands-on experience building or aligning optical systems for microscopy, spectroscopy, interferometry, or quantum-optics experiments.
• Experience acquiring and analyzing data with Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or comparable software.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, align, and characterize optical instrumentation for squeezed-light sensing and microscopy.
• Benchmark quantum-enhanced measurements against coherent-light methods with comparable sample illumination and acquisition time.
• Collaborate with biology teams to image cells and tissues while evaluating sample integrity and illumination effects.
• Coordinate optical measurements with imaging teams; provide calibrated data, metadata, and analysis to ORNL and university collaborators.
• Develop instrument-control and data-analysis workflows; document methods, publish papers, and present results.

Skills

Effective communication

Independent researcher

Education

PhD in physics/optics/photonic

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Job description

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Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Optics and Bioimaging

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Optics and Bioimaging to develop squeezed-light sensing and quantum-enhanced microscopy for label-free imaging of cells and tissues. This position resides in the Quantum Computing and Sensing Group in the Computational Science and Engineering Division (CSED), Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The researcher will work with an interdisciplinary team of optical scientists, quantum researchers, biologists, and computational researchers.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, align, and characterize optical instrumentation for squeezed-light sensing and microscopy.
• Benchmark quantum-enhanced measurements against coherent-light measurements at comparable sample illumination and acquisition time, progressing from reference samples to biological specimens.
• Collaborate with biology teams to image cells and tissues while evaluating sample integrity and illumination effects.
• Coordinate optical measurements with the imaging teams; provide calibrated data, metadata, and analysis to ORNL and university collaborators.
• Develop instrument-control and data-analysis workflows; document methods, prepare peer-reviewed publications and project reports, and present research results.
• Conduct experiments in accordance with ORNL laboratory and laser-safety procedures.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD in physics, optics, photonics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, earned no more than five years before application; all degree requirements must be completed before the appointment begins.
• Hands‑on research experience building, aligning, or characterizing optical systems for microscopy, spectroscopy, interferometry, or quantum‑optics experiments.
• Experience acquiring and analyzing experimental data using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or comparable scientific software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with squeezed light generation and characterization, nonlinear optics, optical phase locking, and low‑noise photodetection.
• Experience developing microscopy, interferometric imaging, or other label‑free optical microscopy methods.
• Experience with biological imaging, optical‑loss and noise characterization, or integration of complementary imaging modalities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.