Postdoctoral Research Associate - Integrated Photonics

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team of over 7,000 dedicated individuals values diverse perspectives and backgrounds, supporting our mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges.

About the role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the Quantum Sensing and Computing Group in the Computational Science and Engineering Division (CSED), Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Responsibilities

• Participate in new and ongoing research on quantum integrated photonics.
• Formulate novel quantum sensing solutions to problems of national interest and support the research and development necessary for the practical implementation of those solutions.
• Interpret, report, and present research concepts and results to national audiences at all levels.
• Write peer-reviewed papers and technical reports for internal and external release and represent the organization by giving technical presentations in large public forums.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Requirements

• A PhD in physics or a related field completed within the last 5 years.
• This position requires access to technology subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
• Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.
• Appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension, subject to performance and availability of funding.
• Three letters of reference are required.

Qualifications

• General research experience in quantum optics and quantum information science.
• Priority given to candidates with experience in the design, fabrication, and testing of integrated photonic devices and circuits.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Special Requirements

• For employment at ORNL, a Real ID-compliant form of identification is required.
• All employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, requiring a favorable post-employment background investigation, including a declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year (marijuana and cannabis derivatives included, regardless of state laws).
• Foreign national candidates who have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years are not eligible for the PIV credential and must obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. After meeting the three-year residency requirement, a PIV credential will be required.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits programs.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan.
• Life Insurance and Disability Benefits.
• Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave.
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection.
• Employee Assistance Plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Wellness Programs and Educational Assistance.
• Relocation Assistance and Employee Discounts.
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.