Postdoctoral Scholar, Quantum Optics/Optomechanics

Northern Arizona University

Special Information

This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.

This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.

About the Department/College

Northern Arizona University's College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences (CEFNS) is home to nationally recognized research and education programs in environmental science, biology, chemistry, physics, forestry, and mathematics. As part of an R1 research institution, CEFNS offers hands-on research opportunities and fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration to address pressing environmental and scientific challenges.

¡MIRA! is a dynamic research center at NAU focused on materials science innovation and expanding access to STEM. With faculty spanning multiple disciplines, ¡MIRA! supports cutting-edge research in materials synthesis, characterization, and application, while integrating inclusive mentorship and professional development for students and postdocs.

About the Position

Postdoctoral Scholar (PS): Quantum Optics/Optomechanics

The Behunin group seeks an energetic postdoctoral scholar to help develop new spin-optomechanical systems. The PS will: (1) perform spectroscopy on optomechanical devices, (2) operate cryostats, (3) develop new optical coupling techniques, (4) simulate device physics, and (5) help oversee graduate research assistants. The position term will be for 1 year, and renewable for up to two more years based on performance. The position has the potential for conversion into a tenure track faculty line.

Responsibilities Include

75% - Research

• Experiment design and simulation, measurements, and data analysis.

10% - Writing/Presenting/Reporting

• Writing scientific articles, presenting results at conferences, seminars, or colloquia.
• Provide assistance to PI for reporting purposes.

10% - Mentorship

• Provide guidance for graduate and undergraduate research assistants.

25% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physics, optics or optical engineering.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.*

Preferred Qualifications

• The successful candidate will have one or more of the listed expertise: 1. Classical and/or quantum optics, 2. Cryogenics, or 3. Experimental optomechanics.
• Experiment automation experience
• Precision optical detection including but not limited to balanced homodyne and heterodyne detection.
• Expertise with VNAs, AWGs, and radiofrequency characterization.
• Experience with optical simulation, e.g., comsol, zemax.
• Experience operating cryogenic systems including closed cycle cryostats and dilution refrigerator.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Use of laboratory/field instruments and tools.
• Principles and techniques of the subject disciplines.
• Physics, quantum physics and optics.
• Knowledge of color center physics.

Skills

• Experimental optical physics.
• Fiber optics.
• Precision optical detection.
• Cryogenics.
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational and project management skills.
• Leadership, coordination, and/or supervision skills.
• Data collection, processing and analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Abilities

• Highly motivated to perform research in a collaborative environment, as part of a team.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Communicates effectively.
• Possesses strong problem solving, organizational, and analytical capabilities.

Compensation

Salary range is $60,000 to $64,800. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.