Postdoctoral Associate- Condensed Matter

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field 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.

• 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.

• Curriculum Vitae
• 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 (631) 632-6280 or visit the OEA website.

Visit the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs page to learn more about our postdoctoral community. Learn about the total rewards we offer and explore why SUNY Research Foundation is a great place to work.

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