Research Associate - Ultrafast Optical Spectroscopy

Research Associate – Ultrafast Optical Spectroscopy

Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Department

Research | Quantum Matter Institute | Faculty of Science (Marcel Franz)

Posting End Date

March 26, 2026 – Applications accepted until 11:59 PM on this date.

Job End Date

March 31, 2028

Expected pay range

$7,000 – $7,350 /month

At UBC we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, bringing rich diversity to our workplace and creating rewarding careers.

The Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) at the University of British Columbia is seeking a PhD‑level Scientific Research Associate to support its Ultrafast Spectroscopy research efforts. Under the direction of Prof. David Jones, the Research Associate will work with Jones and other researchers to identify questions and problems and devise new optical techniques (both source and detection development) to address open questions in plasma dynamics and condensed‑matter systems.

The Research Associate will also mentor QMI students and other researchers with optical measurement techniques, collaborate with other institutions and industry, attend conferences, assist in grant writing, and contribute to publications.

• Operating, maintaining, and repairing delicate optical equipment and infrastructure such as fibre and solid‑state laser systems, amplified femtosecond laser systems, OPOs, and mid‑infrared sources.
• Developing, improving, and implementing laboratory techniques needed to run ultra‑fast pump–probe measurements.
• Managing undergraduate students and training graduate students on laser‑spectroscopy systems and general optical techniques.
• Researching and developing new experimental optical detection techniques in various configurations; preparing reports on these activities.
• Publishing findings; maintaining records of research activities and outcomes; preparing official research reports and statistics to support Blusson QMI and UBC performance metrics.
• Designing parts and assemblies using CAD software such as Autodesk Inventor and Solid Works.
• Performing spectral data analysis.
• Directing and participating in the development and maintenance of laboratory infrastructure, including custom software (data acquisition, instrumentation control, and data analysis) and hardware components (vacuum equipment, lasers/optics, and electronics).
• Researching, advising on, and purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Monitoring, interpreting, preparing and presenting reports to the research team.
• Maintaining awareness of current and upcoming projects and experiments, and providing input regarding resource allocation.

• PhD in physics or engineering specializing in the development and use of ultrafast laser technologies and associated spectroscopy techniques.
• Experience with frequency stabilization of femtosecond frequency combs.
• Several years (minimum two) of post‑doctoral or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading research projects.
• Ability to pursue an independent research program aligned with QMI interests.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• At least two years of supervising students.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority, and members of historically marginalized groups will receive special consideration.

UBC is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible work environment for all members of its workforce. If you have any needs or questions regarding accommodations or accessibility during the hiring process, please visit the Center for Workplace Accessibility website () or contact wo