Postdoctoral Fellow - Quantum-Enhanced Optical Microscopy

Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous Peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.

The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.

Organizational Unit:Metrology Research Centre

Classification:RO

Duration:2 years

Work arrangements:Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.

At the NRC, we recognize that Indigenous candidates may have important connections to their communities and you may be eligible for an exception to this work arrangement. Alternative work arrangements may also be considered to accommodate candidates as required. To learn more about these options, please contact the NRC Hiring team using the contact information below

Squeezing the Limits: A Quantum-Enhanced Raman Imaging Platform for Ultratrace Chemical Detection

Sensitivity remains a fundamental limitation in chemical imaging, restricting characterization of materials in complex environments. Overcoming this requires enhancing signal or reducing background and noise. The candidate will address both within a single imaging framework, leveraging patented NRC knowhow and ongoing quantum light source developments to establish a quantum‑enhanced chemical imaging platform based on stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy that combines signal enhancement, background suppression, and quantum noise reduction.

The candidate will join two ongoing research projects in key application areas for the Canadian government: nanoplastics and critical minerals. For nanoplastics, tracking and locating plastic particles will help determine how plastic exposure impacts biological processes. For critical minerals, rapidly screening rare species will lead to increased yields and reduced waste in mining. By the end of the project, the candidate will be positioned to help lead future applications of advanced imaging to priority areas for Canada.

PhD degree in electrical engineering, optics, physics, engineering physics or a closely related field.

• Hands-on experience in a scientific lab setting and using a variety of laboratory test equipment;
• Experience working with quantum optics, nonlinear optics and/or atomic and molecular physics;
• Experience working with optical components and systems;
• Experience collecting and analyzing data; and dissemination of results.

The following may be considered an asset:

• Python or other programming experience;
• Experience working in metrology;
• Experience with nanoscale material characterization
• Experience with nonlinear optical spectroscopy
• Experience in optical spectroscopy

Reliability Status
For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

• Fellowships will be for two years contingent on satisfactory progress achieved during the first year.
• Candidates should have obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within the past three years (PhD received on or after July 1, 2024*) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment.
• Fellows will work in a lab under the direct supervision of an NRC researcher.

* Exceptions may be considered to recognize personal or family related leave. Please connect with us using the contact information below to discuss in more detail.

• Resume
• Statement of Interest in the project (maximum one page in length)
• PhD Transcript - an electronic copy is sufficient, it does not…