Postdoctoral Research Associate; Hokmabadi

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Hokmabadi)

Position Number: POST
40

Working Title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Hokmabadi)
Division:
Academic Affairs
Department:
College of Engineering (Col)
Work Unit:
Electrical & Computer Engineering

Work Location:

EPIC and Grigg

Employment Type:

Temporary - Full-time
Hours per week: 40
Pay Rate: $50,000-$54,000

The Hokmabadi Research Lab at UNC Charlotte seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead experimental and fabrication efforts on next-generation optoelectronic devices. Responsibilities include micro- and nano‑fabrication, custom design and construction of free‑space optical benches, numerical modeling, and dissemination of research findings. The scope is prepared for a full‑time academic or research career.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow, you will work under supervision of a faculty mentor and contribute to research instruction, publication, and laboratory operations.

• Execute full‑cycle micro‑ and nano‑fabrication processes to realize complex metamaterial structures, subwavelength features, and semiconductor laser arrays.
• Utilize advanced lithography techniques, including standard photolithography and high‑precision electron‑beam/nano‑lithography.
• Lead thin‑film depositions using e‑beam evaporation and sputtering systems for both dielectrics and metals.
• Develop and optimize recipe parameters for anisotropic dry etching (e.g., RIE, ICP‑RIE) and targeted wet chemical etching workflows.
• Independently engineer, align, and construct custom free‑space and fiber‑coupled optical bench test setups from scratch on laboratory breadboards.
• Conduct advanced experimental testing and optoelectronic characterization of metamaterials and semiconductor lasers (including spectrum mapping, L‑I‑V curves, near/far‑field beam profiling, and optical isolation tracking).
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and automate laboratory instrumentation (spectrometers, detectors, tunable laser sources, RF equipment).
• Perform theoretical design and finite‑element modeling of electromagnetic fields, spatial phase profiles, and optical cavity layouts using industry‑standard simulation software (COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys Lumerical FDTD).
• Analyze complex experimental data and utilize insights to iteratively optimize device architectures.
• Prepare high‑quality manuscripts for submission to peer‑reviewed high‑impact journals and present findings at major optics conferences.
• Assist Dr. Hokmabadi in mentoring Ph.D., Master’s, and undergraduate students in cleanroom protocols and bench safety.

• Recently (within the last eight years) awarded a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, Materials Science or equivalent doctorate in closely related discipline (Sc.D., M.D.).
• Extensive, proven hands‑on experience working inside a Class 100/1000 micro/nano‑fabrication cleanroom facility; deep expertise in lithography, e‑beam evaporation, sputtering, and dry/wet etching.
• Demonstrated success in designing, constructing, and precision‑aligning free‑space optical bench components.
• Robust prior experience with numerical modeling and design of optical or electromagnetic wave structures.

• Direct, prior hands‑on experience handling and testing active semiconductor laser devices (e.g., microring lasers, VCSELs, laser arrays). Candidates with strong optical testing skills in passive systems who demonstrate a strong capability to learn active laser physics will also be considered.
• Experience with instrumentation automation and data acquisition tools such as Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.

Criminal background check will be conducted for finalists. This position is open to all qualified candidates.