Postdoctoral Appointee - Fabrication for Photonic and Quantum Devices

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize lithographic patterning of nano- and meso-scale structures, such as gratings, waveguides, cavities, and metamaterials for quantum and THz devices
• Integrate ferroelectric and other functional materials into photonic architectures for electro-optic and quantum transduction applications
• Perform full device processing using cleanroom techniques, including electron-beam lithography, dry/wet etching, and metallization
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team across CNM, MSD, APS, Q-NEXT to characterize device performance across structural, optical, electro-optic, and cryogenic environments
• Participate in synchrotron-based characterization and data analysis
• Contribute to high-impact publications, internal reports, and scientific presentations at conferences and workshops
• Position Requirements
• Ph.D. in Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field (completed or soon-to-be-completed)
• Demonstrated expertise in nano- and mesoscale fabrication, including mask design, metal sputtering, laser or e-beam lithography, etching, and device integration
• Familiarity with thin-film materials (e.g., oxides, dielectrics, metals) and their integration into photonic or electronic systems
• Hands-on experience with SEM, AFM, TEM, and other characterization tools
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Requirements

• Experience with block copolymer patterning and pattern transfer techniques
• Background in fabrication or simulation of photonic or THz devices (e.g., gratings, dielectric waveguides, ring resonators, modulators)
• Hands-on experience in epitaxial thin-film growth and characterization (oxides preferred), using sputtering (preferred), PLD, or MBE.
• Familiarity with synchrotron-based X-ray techniques and electron microscopy
• Knowledge of quantum devices, nonlinear optics, or microwave photonics
• Working knowledge of simulation tools such as COMSOL or Lumerical for electro-optic modeling
• Desirable Skills
• Proficiency in Python-based data analysis or image processing
• Experience with AI-assisted or feedback-driven fabrication workflows
• Interest in quantum photonic platforms, electro-optic systems, or light-matter coupling physics
• Application Materials
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter describing research experience and fit for the role
• Contact information for three references
• Job Family
• Postdoctoral
• Job Profile
• Postdoctoral Appointee
• Worker Type
• Long-Term (Fixed Term)
• Time Type
• Full time
• The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.
• Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
• Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in U

Benefits

Additional Information

The Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM) and the Materials Science Division (MSD) at Argonne National Laboratory are jointly seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to advance quantum photonic platforms through nano- and meso-scale lithographic fabrication. This position supports two complementary, three-year Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) projects focused on hybrid quantum transduction and terahertz (THz) photon generation via enhanced light-matter interactions. The postdoc will lead efforts in device patterning and the integration of complex materials-such as ferroelectrics, plasmonics, semiconductors-into photonic and THz architectures. This is an outstanding opportunity for candidates with a strong background in nanofabrication to contribute to cutting-edge quantum information science and light-matter engineering, while engaging with CNM's cleanroom and characterization capabilities, APS ultrafast and nanoprobe X-ray beamlines, MSD's THz initiatives, and Q-NEXT's national quantum ecosystem.

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