"Research Technician - Limited Term"

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title: Research Technician - Limited Term

Position Type: Limited-Term (Renewable)

Job Number: SA70824

Full or Part Time: part-time 30-39 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification: Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range: $22.00

Pay Range Information: Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to join the Structural Quantum Optics (SQO) group at Chapman University. The successful candidate will play a central role in establishing a new laboratory, assisting in optical setup and alignment, supporting equipment procurement, and conducting cutting-edge experiments involving entangled photons, Timepix cameras, and single-photon detectors. This position offers hands-on experience with advanced optical instrumentation and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a collaborative academic environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the setup, alignment, and maintenance of optical experiments, including arranging and mounting optics on optical tables.
• Support the procurement process by identifying, sourcing, and ordering optical components, detectors, and related equipment.
• Conduct experiments involving spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) sources of entangled photons.
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot advanced single-photon detection systems, including Timepix cameras and APDs.
• Maintain laboratory organization, ensuring safe and efficient use of equipment and resources.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; prepare reports, presentations, and contribute to publications.
• Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students on experimental design and problem-solving.
• Analyze experimental data using scientific software tools, prepare graphs and summaries, and assist in drafting reports, publications, or presentations.
• Maintain lab equipment, manage inventory of materials and consumables, and ensure compliance with safety protocols and lab cleanliness standards.
• Participate in research meetings, present updates, and collaborate with other team members on experimental planning and data interpretation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Hands-on experience with optical systems, including alignment of lasers, nonlinear crystals, mirrors, lenses, and beam-splitters. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.
• Familiarity with photon detection systems, quantum optics experiments, and imaging systems.
• Proficiency in scientific data acquisition and analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW).

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience with SPDC-based entangled photon sources. Experience in vacuum systems, optomechanics, or ultrafast laser systems.
• Knowledge of Timepix cameras, SPAD detectors, or other single-photon detection technologies.
• Background in experimental quantum information science.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer... Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening...

Minimum Number of References: 2

Maximum Number of References: 3

Applicant Documents

Required Documents:

1. Resume
2. 3 References Listed on One Page

Optional Documents:

1. Cover Letter
2. Letter of Recommendation 1
3. Letter of Recommendation 2