Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Optics and Bioimaging

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Optics and Bioimaging to develop squeezed-light sensing and quantum-enhanced microscopy for label-free imaging of cells and tissues. This position resides in the Quantum Computing and Sensing Group in the Computational Science and Engineering Division (CSED), Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The researcher will work with an interdisciplinary team of optical scientists, quantum researchers, biologists, and computational researchers.

Requirements

• A PhD in physics, optics, photonics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, earned no more than five years before application; all degree requirements must be completed before the appointment begins.
• Hands-on research experience building, aligning, or characterizing optical systems for microscopy, spectroscopy, interferometry, or quantum-optics experiments.
• Experience acquiring and analyzing experimental data using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or comparable scientific software.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with squeezed light generation and characterization, nonlinear optics, optical phase locking, and low-noise photodetection.
• Experience developing microscopy, interferometric imaging, or other label-free optical microscopy methods.
• Experience with biological imaging, optical-loss and noise characterization, or integration of complementary imaging modalities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, align, and characterize optical instrumentation for squeezed-light sensing and microscopy.
• Benchmark quantum-enhanced measurements against coherent-light measurements at comparable sample illumination and acquisition time, progressing from reference samples to biological specimens.
• Collaborate with biology teams to image cells and tissues while evaluating sample integrity and illumination effects.
• Coordinate optical measurements with the imaging teams; provide calibrated data, metadata, and analysis to ORNL and university collaborators.
• Develop instrument-control and data-analysis workflows; document methods, prepare peer-reviewed publications and project reports, and present research results.
• Conduct experiments in accordance with ORNL laboratory and laser-safety procedures.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Benefits

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• on-site fitness
• banking
• cafeteria facilities
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree