Post Doc Res Assoc - Physics & Astronomy

University of Wyoming • Laramie, NY

13d • 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 studying axial chiral phonons in two-dimensional semiconductors. The appointment is split between the institutions, with approximately 2.5 years in residence at LANL and 1.5 years at the University of Wyoming. 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 appointment is for two years and may be renewed annually for up to four years, based on performance and funding.

The project investigates how axial chiral phonons behave at low temperatures and high magnetic fields, using WS₂–WSe₂–WS₂ lateral multijunctions as a benchmark for long-range phonon coherence. The research will examine whether these modes can be identified, controlled, and ultimately applied in opto-spintronic devices.

The successful candidate will conduct material growth and optical, spectroscopic, and microscopic characterization; analyze and model results; contribute to laboratory safety and documentation at both institutions; co-mentor student researchers; and lead research communications, including manuscripts, presentations, reports, proposals, and funding applications. This is an on-campus position requiring residency in both Laramie, Wyoming, and Los Alamos, New Mexico. The position will remain open until filled, with complete applications received by November 22, 2026 receiving full consideration.

Requirements

• PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the appointment date.
• Hands-on experience with optical spectroscopy of solid-state materials, such as Raman or photoluminescence spectroscopy, or comparable techniques.
• Experience aligning and operating free-space optical setups, including laser safety practices.
• 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 tools.
• Peer-reviewed publication record appropriate to career stage.
• Willingness and ability to relocate for residencies in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Laramie, Wyoming.
• 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.
• Experience measuring in 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 experience, such as s-SNOM or TERS, or Kelvin probe force microscopy.
• Experience with 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 applied to lattice vibrations or with first-principles phonon calculations.
• Instrument automation and control experience, such as LabVIEW or 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.
• Perform nano-optical imaging and correlative AFM and 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 communication and feedback between the two sites so characterization results inform subsequent sample growth.
• Co-mentor one PhD student and one undergraduate researcher at the University of Wyoming.
• Lead manuscript preparation, present at conferences, and contribute to reports, beamtime or user proposals, and follow-on funding applications.
• Contribute to safe and well-documented laboratory practices at both institutions.

Benefits

• Retirement contributions, with the State contributing over 15% of gross salary and total contributions exceeding 19% when combined with 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