Research Associate - Ultrafast Quantum Optical Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

Overview

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The Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Division (CMPMSD) conducts a wide-ranging research program investigating novel and quantum materials, as well as their potential applications. Our group employs advanced optical spectroscopies for the study of condensed matter systems. CMPMSD offers ample opportunity for collaboration, including 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.

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in ultrafast, nonlinear, and quantum optics. The successful candidate will develop and employ Ultrafast Quantum Optical Tomography [

F. Glerean, et al. Light Sci Appl 14 , 115 (2025). https:/doi.org/10.1038/s-y ], a cutting-edge technique that combines pump-probe spectroscopy with quantum state reconstruction. This approach enables the exploration of quantum statistics in light-matter interactions between quantum materials and few-photon, sub-picosecond pulses. The research associate will apply this method to study quantum fluctuations of matter and the generation of quantum light, in both equilibrium and light-driven systems.

These experiments will be performed and interpreted in a friendly and dynamic team environment, including collaboration with theorists and other experimentalists.

• The research associate will set up two Ultrafast Quantum Optical Tomography setups, using an 80 MHz ultrafast laser oscillator and a 1 kHz ultrafast laser amplifier as light sources. This will involve using interferometric detection schemes adopting a wide range of wavelengths (visible, infrared, mid infrared) generated with different nonlinear optical processes (OPA, SHG, DFG), equipped with a cryostat station for the probed sample.
• The research associate will apply Ultrafast Quantum Optical Tomography towards studying the properties of varied "quantum materials" (spin phases, superconductivity, excitons, 2D defects). This will involve coordinating experimental acquisition and subsequent analysis of data.
• The research associate will be responsible for disseminating research results in the form of conference presentations and writing of publications.

• Ph.D. in Physics or related discipline in the last 5 years.
• Candidates must have excellent 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 is required.
• Candidates should have a proven ability to disseminate research results.
• A good understanding of light-matter interactions in condensed matter, photonic or quantum optical systems.
• Able to work closely and communicate effectively with colleagues focused on other experimental and theoretical techniques.
• Strong data analysis skills.
• Experience building free-space optical setups.

• Experience with ultrafast spectroscopy methods.
• Knowledge of nonlinear optical phenomena in condensed matter systems and quantum optical phenomena.
• Experience with quantum-light sources and/or sensors, mJ-class ultrafast laser amplifiers, building or using ultrafast optical parametric amplifiers, generating and using intense mid- and far-infrared light pulses and developing software to run ultrafast spectroscopy experiments.

• As an experimental research position, the primary working mode should be on-site.
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $75,000 - $83,000/ year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a 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.

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