Postdoctoral Associate- Condensed Matter

Overview

Job Description - Postdoctoral Associate
- Condensed Matter (2600068)

(as evidenced by an attached resume/cv) Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field in hand by the start of the appointment. Demonstrated experience in experimental condensed matter physics, nanophotonics, or quantum materials research. Strong background in experimental physics. Experience with cryogenic measurements and/or optical spectroscopy. Ability to design, execute, and analyze complex experiments.

Experience with scanning probe techniques (e.g., SNOM, AFM, STM). Experience with THz, infrared, or ultrafast optical systems. Familiarity with superconductivity, two-dimensional materials, or polariton physics. Record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

The Postdoctoral Associate will assist the Principal Investigator Dr. Mengkun Liu in the department of Physics and Astronomy. The incumbent will conduct research and ensure that all experiments are appropriately conducted following the policies and procedures of Stony Brook University.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will conduct independent and collaborative research using advanced THz and cryogenic near-field optical techniques to study superconductors and two-dimensional quantum materials. Responsibilities include the development and operation of THz-SNOM, Cryo-SNOM, and BOSON instrumentation; performing nanoscale measurements of polaritons, superconducting phase transitions, and light–matter interactions; analyzing experimental data; and disseminating results through publications and presentations.

The incumbent will have strong written and oral communication and the ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment. They will contribute to mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, maintaining experimental systems, supporting proposal preparation and collaborative research activities. The position emphasizes scientific creativity, technical excellence, and leadership in experimental research.

• Conduct independent and collaborative experimental research on superconductors and two-dimensional materials using THz-SNOM, Cryo-SNOM, and BOSON platforms; design and perform low-temperature, high-field measurements; analyze and interpret data; produce publishable scientific results.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain advanced experimental instrumentation, including cryogenic near-field optical systems and THz optical setups.
• Mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and visiting researchers in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
• Prepare manuscripts, conference presentations, and research reports; present results at group meetings, conferences, and workshops.
• Other duties as assigned, which may include attending scientific conferences and meetings. Assist the PI with proposal development, progress reports, and coordination of internal and external research collaborations.

Applicants should submit the following materials through our online application system:
Curriculum Vitae and Research Statement.

The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation. Employment is subject to the Research Foundation policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines and the availability of funding. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning, and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at  or visit OEA.

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The starting salary range (or hiring range) to be offered for this position is noted below; it represents SBU’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Job Number: 2600068

Official

Job Title:

Postdoctoral Associate

Job Field:
Post Doctoral

Primary

Location:

Physics and Astronomy

Schedule:

Full-time

Shift: Day Shift, Shift

Hours:

9am-5pm

Posting

Start Date:

Jan 20, 2026

Posting End Date:
Feb 20, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

Appointment Type:
Regular

Salary Grade: E89

SBU Area:
The Research Foundation for The State University of New York at Stony Brook