Post Doc Res Assoc - Physics & Astronomy

University of Wyoming • Laramie, WY

13d • $65,000 - $67,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Wyoming seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead the experimental program of a joint University of Wyoming–Los Alamos National Laboratory project on axial chiral phonons in two-dimensional semiconductors. This is a single appointment split between the institutions, with approximately 2.5 years resident at LANL and 1.5 years at UW. The researcher will grow and optically screen samples in Wyoming, characterize them at LANL, and maintain real-time feedback between the groups. The expected start is Summer 2027. The initial term is two years, renewable annually to a total of four years based on performance and funding.

The project investigates how axial chiral phonons behave at low temperature and in high magnetic fields, using WS₂–WSe₂–WS₂ lateral multijunctions as a structural benchmark for long-range phonon coherence. It aims to determine whether these modes can be identified, controlled, and ultimately used in opto-spintronic devices.

The successful candidate will grow and characterize materials, conduct optical and nano-optical measurements at both sites, analyze and model spectroscopic data, and connect observed mode behavior to electron–phonon coupling and scattering dynamics. The role also includes co-mentoring a PhD student and an undergraduate researcher at UW, leading manuscript preparation, presenting at conferences, contributing to reports and proposals, and supporting safe, well-documented laboratory practice.

The position requires work on campus and relocation for residencies in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Laramie, Wyoming. Work authorization sponsorship may be available, but H-1B work authorization or work visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

• PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the date of appointment.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with optical spectroscopy of solid-state materials, such as Raman, photoluminescence, or comparable techniques.
• Experience aligning and operating free-space optical setups, including laser safety practice.
• Working knowledge of condensed matter physics, including phonons, electron–phonon coupling, and semiconductor optical properties.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, Igor, or equivalent.
• Peer-reviewed publication record appropriate to career stage.
• Willingness and ability to relocate for the residency in Los Alamos, NM, and Laramie, WY.
• Ability to meet LANL requirements for site access and a guest appointment.
• Evidence of independent problem-solving in a laboratory setting.

Nice To Haves

• CVD or MOCVD growth of transition metal dichalcogenides, particularly lateral heterostructures and multijunctions.
• Polarization- and helicity-resolved Raman spectroscopy, and familiarity with chiral or angular-momentum-carrying phonon modes.
• Measurement experience with cryostats and high-field magnet systems, including cryogenic optical access and sample mounting.
• Ultrafast optics experience, including pump-probe spectroscopy, broadband or white-light continuum probes, amplified or oscillator systems, or coherent phonon measurement.
• Near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM, TERS) or Kelvin probe force microscopy.
• Correlative microscopy workflows combining AFM with SEM-EDX.
• Prior experience at a DOE national laboratory or other user facility, including user proposal writing.
• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate researchers.
• Familiarity with group theory as applied to lattice vibrations, or with first-principles phonon calculations.
• Instrument automation and control (LabVIEW, Python instrument control) or custom optical setup construction.

Responsibilities

• Grow and optimize WS₂–WSe₂–WS₂ lateral multijunctions and characterize sample quality before measurement.
• Design and conduct helicity-resolved magneto-Raman measurements under cryogenic and high-magnetic-field conditions.
• Conduct nano-optical imaging and correlative AFM / SEM-EDX characterization of chiral junctions at LANL.
• Analyze and model spectroscopic data, relating observed mode behavior to electron–phonon coupling and scattering dynamics.
• Maintain feedback between the two sites by communicating characterization results to inform subsequent sample growth.
• Co-mentor one PhD student and one undergraduate researcher at UW.
• Lead manuscript preparation, present at conferences, and contribute to reports, beamtime or user proposals, and follow-on funding applications.
• Contribute to safe, well-documented laboratory practices at both institutions.

Benefits

• State retirement contribution of over 15% of gross salary; total retirement-plan contributions exceed 19% including the mandatory employee contribution.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions and four deductible options.
• Vacation leave, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure.
• Tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources.

What This Job Offers

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