Postdoctoral Appointee - Integrated Photonics, Onsite

Postdoctoral Appointee - Integrated Photonics, Onsite

Sandia National Laboratories is a leading science and engineering laboratory focusing on national security and technology innovation. It offers opportunities for advanced research in integrated photonic technologies for quantum, RF, data communications, and harsh environment applications.

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Appointee to advance silicon photonic and other integrated photonic technologies for quantum, RF, data communications, and harsh environment applications using heterogeneous integration, innovative designs, and novel physics phenomena. The postdoc will have opportunities to collaborate with over 60 researchers in Sandia’s National Security Photonics Center using the MESA Fabrication Facility.

• Perform ground‑breaking scientific research in broad‑wavelength integrated photonic platforms with different heterogeneous integrated materials through theoretical analysis, simulation, design, and characterization of novel devices and systems for both classical and quantum applications.
• Implement new concepts in device design, measurement, fabrication, and packaging.
• Perform experiments in laser laboratories and other laboratories with special environments.
• Build world‑first application demonstrations with photonic devices.
• Collaborate with researchers within the department and across Sandia Labs as well as external academia, industry, and government partners.
• Report research results in top‑tier journals and conferences.
• Generate new intellectual property through patent filing as applicable.
• Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

• PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Optical Science, or other related STEM technical area conferred within five (5) years prior to employment.
• Experience performing original research, demonstrated through a record of invention, original publications in top‑tier journals, and conference papers and presentations.
• Experience in nonlinear optics and experimental characterization.
• Experience using simulation software such as COMSOL, MATLAB/Simulink, FDTD codes, etc.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance.

• Familiarity with basic knowledge of semiconductor physics and optical materials.
• Background in integrated photonics applications such as quantum computing, networking and sensing, LIDAR, imaging, RF photonics, or optical communications.
• Background in radio frequency circuits and systems.
• Background in cryogenic testing equipment and methods.
• Background in radiation science and radiation testing.
• Experience in one or more of the following:
  • design and test of photonics devices (e.g., wave guides, gratings, modulators, lasers, amplifiers, optical detectors);
  • design and test of photonics microsystems, i.e. integrated optical circuits with passive and active integrated devices;
  • small‑scale optical packaging of silicon photonics devices, including co‑packaged with electronic chips;
  • nonlinear optics theories and experiments;
  • high‑speed characterization of devices, testing automation, electrical probe stations, operation of high speed and high frequency test equipment, such as bit error rate test equipment, network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and high‑speed oscilloscopes;
  • interfacing electrical components to optical microsystems; examples are modulator drivers, transimpedance amplifiers, and electronic control circuits.
• Expertise in nano‑fabrication (including heterogeneous integration), characterization, and usage of various optical materials (e.g., silicon, III‑V materials, thin film lithium niobate, aluminium oxide, silicon nitride, germanium, phase‑change materials, 2‑D materials) and magnetic materials.
• Strong theoretical background in optical communication, RF communication, quantum optics, and/or quantum computing.

Flexible work arrangements are available for many positions, including 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off), 4/10 (work four ten‑hour days each week), part‑time work, and telecommuting (a mix…