Research Associate - Ultrafast Quantum Optical Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

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ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

TheCondensed Matter PhysicsandMaterials 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.

Position Description

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/s41377-025-01789-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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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, midinfrared) 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.

Other Information:

• As an experimental research position, the primary working mode should be on-site.
• 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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About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation's future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

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