Job detail for Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum Optics and Bioimaging

Requisition Id 17146

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Quantum Optics and Bioimaging to develop squeezed-light sensing and quantum-enhanced microscopy for label-free imaging of cells and tissues. This position resides in the Quantum Computing and Sensing Group in the Computational Science and Engineering Division (CSED), Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The researcher will work with an team of optical scientists, quantum researchers, biologists, and computational researchers.

Major Duties/:

• Design, assemble, align, and characterize optical instrumentation for squeezed-light sensing and microscopy.
• Benchmark quantum-enhanced measurements against coherent-light measurements at comparable sample illumination and acquisition time, progressing from reference samples to biological specimens.
• Collaborate with biology teams to image cells and tissues while evaluating sample integrity and illumination effects.
• Coordinate optical measurements with the imaging teams; provide calibrated data, metadata, and analysis to ORNL and university collaborators.
• Develop instrument-control and data-analysis workflows; document methods, prepare peer-reviewed publications and project reports, and present research results.
• Conduct experiments in accordance with ORNL laboratory and laser-safety procedures.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in physics, optics, photonics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, earned no more than five years before application; all degree requirements must be completed before the appointment begins.
• Hands-on research experience building, aligning, or characterizing optical systems for microscopy, spectroscopy, interferometry, or quantum-optics experiments.
• Experience acquiring and analyzing experimental data using Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or comparable scientific software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with squeezed light generation and , nonlinear optics, optical phase locking, and low-noise photodetection.
• Experience developing microscopy, interferometric imaging, or other label-free optical microscopy methods.
• Experience with biological imaging, optical-loss and noise , or integration of complementary imaging modalities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.

Please submit three letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to @ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.