Research Technician - Limited Term

Position Title:

Research Technician - Limited Term

Limited-Term (Renewable)

SA70824

part-time 30-39 hours weekly

Non-Exempt

$22.00

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors.

The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician to join the Structural Quantum Optics (SQO) group at Chapman University. The successful candidate will play a central role in establishing a new laboratory, assisting in optical setup and alignment, supporting equipment procurement, and conducting cutting‑edge experiments involving entangled photons, Timepix cameras, and single‑photon detectors. This position offers hands‑on experience with advanced optical instrumentation and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a collaborative academic environment.

• Assist in the setup, alignment, and maintenance of optical experiments, including arranging and mounting optics on optical tables.
• Support the procurement process by identifying, sourcing, and ordering optical components, detectors, and related equipment.
• Conduct experiments involving spontaneous parametric down‑conversion (SPDC) sources of entangled photons.
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot advanced single‑photon detection systems, including Timepix cameras and APDs.
• Maintain laboratory organization, ensuring safe and efficient use of equipment and resources.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; prepare reports, presentations, and contribute to publications.
• Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students on experimental design and problem‑solving.
• Analyze experimental data using scientific software tools, prepare graphs and summaries, and assist in drafting reports, publications, or presentations.
• Maintain lab equipment, manage inventory of materials and consumables, and ensure compliance with safety protocols and lab cleanliness standards.
• Participate in research meetings, present updates, and collaborate with other team members on experimental planning and data interpretation.

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Hands‑on experience with optical systems, including alignment of lasers, nonlinear crystals, mirrors, lenses, and beam‑splitters. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team‑oriented research environment.
• Familiarity with photon detection systems, quantum optics experiments, and imaging systems.
• Proficiency in scientific data acquisition and analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW).

• Prior experience with SPDC‑based entangled photon sources. Experience in vacuum systems, optomechanics, or ultrafast laser systems.
• Knowledge of Timepix cameras, SPAD detectors, or other single‑photon detection technologies.
• Background in experimental quantum information science.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

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