Postdoctoral Fellow in Quantum Materials and Quantum Optics

Position Summary

Working under the direction of Dr. Iqbal Utama, the postdoctoral fellow will lead experimental research focused on low-dimensional, molecular, and hybrid organic–inorganic materials for applications in quantum sensing, quantum photonics, and related quantum technologies. The successful candidate will design, fabricate, and characterize quantum materials and nanoscale devices, contribute to scientific publications and research proposals, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in a collaborative research environment.

Specific Duties

• Conduct experimental research on low-dimensional, molecular, and hybrid organic–inorganic materials for quantum sensing, quantum photonics, and related quantum technologies.
• Design, fabricate, and characterize quantum-material and nanoscale devices using techniques that may include materials synthesis and processing, nanofabrication, optical spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, magnetometry, and optically-detected magnetic resonance.
• Develop experimental protocols and assist with the setup, operation, maintenance, and documentation of laboratory instruments.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and maintain complete, organized records of experiments, procedures, and results.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, technical reports, and collaborative projects.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and provide training in relevant laboratory methods.
• Contribute to a safe, collegial, collaborative, and intellectually engaged laboratory environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. completed by the appointment start date in Physics; Chemistry; Materials Science and Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Applied Physics; or a closely related field.
• Relevant hands-on experimental research experience obtained during the candidate’s doctoral training.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience in two-dimensional or other low-dimensional materials.
• Experience with molecular, organic, or hybrid organic–inorganic materials.
• Experience with cleanroom nanofabrication, including electron-beam or optical lithography, thin-film deposition, etching, or atomic layer deposition.
• Experience with optical spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, time-resolved spectroscopy, or single-photon measurements.
• Experience with optically detected magnetic resonance, spin resonance, quantum sensing, or scanning-probe magnetometry.
• Experience with scanning probe microscopy and related techniques.
• Experience in construction, modification, automation, or troubleshooting of optical measurement systems.
• Experience in simulation of light–matter interactions using software packages such as Lumerical FDTD and COMSOL Multiphysics.

Anticipated Start Date

December 1, 2026, or a mutually agreed date thereafter.

Anticipated End Date

November 30, 2027, based on a December 1, 2026 start date.

Appointment Term

The initial appointment will be for 12 months. The appointment may be renewed annually, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Salary and Rank

Special Instructions Applications received by October 5, 2026 will receive full consideration. However, we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

Application Materials

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for at least 3 references

We will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

Interested candidates should review the application requirements and apply online at:

https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/34134