Research Assistant

Taleo; Pasadena, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech's Darkwah-Oppong Lab in the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy seeks a Research Assistant for an experimental AMO physics lab focused on quantum science with neutral atoms. You will help build and operate an ultra-high-vacuum apparatus, including laser systems, imaging, and data-acquisition software to prepare and measure atomic quantum states.

This hands-on, full-cycle role prepares for a PhD in experimental quantum physics, working with faculty, postdocs, and students on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering Physics, or closely related field.
• Coursework in AMO physics and/or quantum mechanics.
• Demonstrated research experience in experimental and/or computational physics.
• Programming in Python for simulation, data analysis, and instrument control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with careful record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and in a team; travel for conferences as needed.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, align, and maintain optical and laser systems used for cooling, trapping, and imaging.
• Operate and improve a high-vacuum neutral-atom apparatus and associated subsystems.
• Develop, test, and document experimental control software and data-acquisition routines (Python).
• Perform numerical simulations and modeling of atomic/many-body systems to aid experimental design.
• Analyze data, visualize results, and extract physical quantities; assess system performance.
• Contribute to hardware fabrication such as electronics, mechanical mounts, and PCBs.
• Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks and contribute to manuscripts and documentation.
• Follow laser-safety protocols and maintain laboratory safety standards.
• Occasionally lift equipment (up to 25+ lbs) and travel for conferences.

Skills

Python programming

Experimental physics

Data analysis

Record keeping

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or related field

Tools

FPGA-based control hardware

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

The Darkwah-Oppong Lab in the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy seeks a Research Assistant to join an experimental Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) physics laboratory focused on quantum science with neutral atoms. The group builds and operates optical tweezer arrays of individually trapped, laser-cooled neutral atoms to study quantum simulation, quantum metrology, and many-body physics. The successful candidate will contribute to the construction, operation, and improvement of an ultra-high-vacuum cold-atom apparatus, including laser and optical systems, high-resolution imaging, and the control and data-acquisition software used to prepare, manipulate, and measure atomic quantum states.

This is a hands‑on, full-cycle research role intended to prepare the candidate for a PhD program in experimental quantum physics. The Research Assistant will work closely with the faculty sponsor, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students, taking ownership of well‑defined subprojects spanning hardware (lasers, optics, electronics, vacuum) and software (experimental control, simulation, and data analysis). The position offers broad training in the experimental and computational methods underlying modern quantum technologies.

Job Duties

• Design, assemble, align, and maintain optical and laser systems (e.g., laser cooling/trapping beams, optical tweezers generated with acousto-optic deflectors/spatial light modulators, and high-resolution imaging optics).
• Operate and improve an ultra‑high‑vacuum neutral‑atom apparatus, including assembly and troubleshooting of vacuum, optical, electronic, and RF/microwave subsystems.
• Develop, test, and document experimental control software, data‑acquisition routines, and automated calibration sequences (primarily in Python).
• Perform numerical simulations and modeling of atomic and many‑body systems to support experimental design and interpretation (e.g., lattice/tweezer trapping, single‑particle and many‑body dynamics).
• Collect, analyze, and visualize experimental data; apply statistical and computational methods to extract physical quantities and characterize system performance.
• Contribute to the design and fabrication of custom electronics, mechanical mounts, and printed‑circuit boards as needed.
• Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks and contribute to manuscripts, internal documentation, and group presentations.
• Follow all laboratory and laser‑safety protocols and contribute to general upkeep of the laboratory.
• Occasionally lift and/or carry equipment weighing 25 pounds or more (e.g., optical components, breadboards, vacuum hardware, electronics racks).
• Occasional travel may be required to attend conferences, collaboration meetings, or training.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field by the position start date.
• Coursework in atomic, molecular, and optical physics and/or quantum mechanics.
• Demonstrated research experience in experimental and/or computational physics.
• Programming proficiency in Python (or equivalent) for simulation, data analysis, and instrument control.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and careful record‑keeping.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team‑based research environment. Ability to travel as needed for conferences and collaboration meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or research experience in quantum simulation, quantum metrology, condensed matter, or many‑body physics.
• Hands‑on experience with laser‑cooled atoms, optical lattices, ultracold atomic gases, or other AMO experimental platforms.
• Experience with optical alignment, lasers, vacuum systems, RF/microwave electronics, or FPGA-based control hardware.
• Experience with numerical methods and large‑scale simulation.
• Intent to pursue a PhD in experimental AMO or quantum physics.

Required Documents

• Resume.

Hiring Range

$20.00 - $27.00 Per Hour
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks .

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at [e-mail] .