Postdoctoral Research Associate Quantum Physics - Brookhaven National Laboratory

Our group is part of the vibrant Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science division with varied research groups studying both fundamental and applied properties of condensed matter, offering ample opportunity for collaboration. These include a broad condensed matter theory effort, materials growth of both bulk single-crystals and epitaxial thin films, and a variety of experimental probes of condensed matter systems that complement our own.

Position Description

We are looking for a postdoctoral research associate to develop a multi-dimensional spectrometer in the terahertz frequency range, which will require building and setup of a light source to generate multiple intense terahertz pulses. The research associate will apply this spectrometer towards studying a variety of superconducting, magnetic, and ferroelectric materials in both equilibrium and light-induced non-equilibrium states. These experiments will be interpreted and performed in a friendly and dynamic team environment, including collaboration with theorists and other experimentalists.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for setting up a multi-dimensional terahertz spectrometer, using one or two ultrafast laser amplifiers as a light source. This will involve building optical parametric amplifiers and setup of a terahertz system to guide intense terahertz pulses into a cryostat.
• Responsible for applying the multi-dimensional terahertz spectrometer towards studying the properties of varied “quantum materials”. This will involve coordinating experimental acquisition and subsequent analysis of data.
• Responsible for disseminating research results in the form of conference presentations and writing of publications.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD. in Physics or related discipline
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills in English, be self-motivated and able to work both independently and as a part of a multi-institutional team.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff.
• Proven ability to disseminate research results.
• A good understanding of light-matter interactions in condensed matter systems
• Able to work closely and communicate effectively with colleagues focused on other experimental and theoretical techniques.
• Demonstrated data analysis skills.
• Extensive experience building free-space optical setups.
• Extensive experience with ultrafast laser systems.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience with mJ-class ultrafast laser amplifiers.
• Demonstrated experience with using ultrafast optical parametric amplifiers.
• Demonstrated experience building ultrafast optical parametric amplifiers.
• Demonstrated experience generating and using intense mid- and far-infrared light pulses.
• Demonstrated knowledge of nonlinear optical phenomena in condensed matter systems.
• Demonstrated experience in developing software to run ultrafast spectroscopy experiments.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $70,200 - 116,200 p/year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Other Information:

• As an experimental research position, the primary working mode should be on-site. Remote work can be coordinated with prior approval from the supervisor.
• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining their PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.