Research Associate - Ultrafast Quantum Optical Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

Research Associate - Ultrafast Quantum Optical Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

Brookhaven Science Associates is inviting applications for the role of Research Associate in Ultrafast Quantum Optical Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials.

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, offering ample opportunity for collaboration with condensed matter theory, materials growth of bulk single‑crystals and epitaxial thin films, and a variety of experimental probes.

The successful candidate will develop and employ Ultrafast Quantum Optical Tomography, 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.

Experiments will be performed and interpreted in a collaborative team environment with theorists and other experimentalists.

• 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; employ interferometric detection schemes across a wide range of wavelengths (visible, infrared, mid‑infrared) generated with different nonlinear optical processes (OPA, SHG, DFG), and equip procedures with a cryostat station for the probed sample.
• Apply Ultrafast Quantum Optical Tomography to study properties of varied quantum materials such as spin phases, superconductivity, excitons, and 2D defects; coordinate experimental acquisition and subsequent data analysis.
• Disseminate research results through conference presentations and publication writing.

• Ph.D. in Physics or a related discipline earned within the last five years.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; self‑motivated and able to work independently as well as in a multi‑institutional team.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff.
• Proven ability to disseminate research results.
• Solid understanding of light‑matter interactions in condensed matter, photonic, or quantum optical systems.
• Capability 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 per year, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications, education, and experience.
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a Ph.D., eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of five 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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