Research Associate​/Research Scientist​/Research Engineer

Research Associate / Research Scientist / Research Engineer

This position includes working in a facility with controlled research restrictions; therefore, applicants have to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the positions. The position involves working with, handling, and controlling sensitive information.

Spectrum Lab is seeking several candidates at Research Associate and Research Scientist or Engineer levels to immediately contribute to current grant and contract research activities in the applied research areas of experimental Optical Signal Processing, Quantum Optics, Hybrid Communications and Quantum Networks, Free‑space Optics, Optomechanical controls, Nanophotonics, Microwave photonics and Solid‑state material spectroscopy. These individuals will also participate in current and new projects in collaboration with other Spectrum Lab personnel, MSU Faculty, or local industry.

They are expected to work productively both autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team as per project requirements.

Current applied research areas at Spectrum Lab include remote sensing (microwave and optical range, Doppler, polarimetry, and geo‑location sensing), microwave photonics, optical signal processing, advanced imaging techniques, digital holography, quantum optics, quantum communications and networking, opto‑mechanical design, UAS‑based communications and sensing, nonlinear optics, laser development, nano and micro‑optic fabrication and polarization control optics. Individuals are expected to work on various project tasks that are autonomous in nature, but will integrate with or benefit the project as a whole.

• Conduct, report, and publish (when applicable) scientific/engineering research projects in applied optics, photonics and quantum technologies, including independent research, research as a team member, or leading a team of researchers.
• Supervise teams of undergraduate and graduate student researchers on research projects, including assigning tasks, providing technical assistance and advice, and following up on task completion and reporting.
• Collaborate with research teams to develop new areas of applied optics, quantum optics and photonics research and actively contribute to obtaining funding through successful research proposals as a key contributor.
• Interact productively with research team, with MSU faculty, or with local companies with the goal of developing and/or helping to commercialize new technologies.
• Execute assignments and tasks that are specialized and advanced in nature with minimum supervision.

• Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of 2 or more years of research/laboratory experience in applied optics or quantum technology either in an academic institution or industry or Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of research experience (academic or industrial) in photonics applications or quantum technology.
• Successful record of research or professional experience in the areas of Experimental Microwave Photonics, Optomechanics, Quantum Communications and Quantum networks, Nonlinear optics or Fiber and Free‑space Optics, rare‑earth doped solids, Optical signal processing.

• Master’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field with documentation of 3 or more years of experience (academic or industrial) in experimental or applied optics and original work in experimental or applied photonics, and a record of leadership in the execution and conduct of externally funded research programs in optics or Ph.D. degree (including recently awarded) in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or related field with documentation of original work in experimental or applied optics and demonstrated potential for leadership in the acquisition and conduct of externally funded research programs in optics.
• Successful record of research or professional experience in the areas of Experimental Quantum Optics, Quantum Communications and Quantum Networks,…