Graduate Research Associate Jobs in Bozeman, MT (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 27029
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Krishna Rupavatharam
krishna.rupavatharam@montana.edu
406-994-7675
Classification Title
Research Professional
Working Title
Research Associate/Research Scientist/Research Engineer
Brief Position Overview
Spectrum Lab is seeking several candidates at Research Associate and Research Scientist or Engineer levels to immediately contribute to current grant and contract research activities in the applied research areas of experimental Optical Signal Processing, Quantum Optics, Hybrid Communications and Quantum Networks, Free-space Optics, Optomechanical controls, Nanophotonics, Microwave photonics and Solid state material spectroscopy, These individuals would also participate in current and new projects in collaboration with other Spectrum Lab personnel, MSU Faculty, or local industry. These individuals are expected to work productively both autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team as per project requirements.
Current applied research areas at Spectrum Lab include remote sensing (microwave and optical range, Doppler, polarimetry, and geo-location sensing), microwave photonics, optical signal processing, advanced imaging techniques, digital holography, quantum optics, quantum communications and networking, opto-mechanical design, UAS based communications and sensing, nonlinear optics, and laser development, nano and micro-optic fabrication and polarization control optics. These individuals will be expected to work on various project tasks that are autonomous in nature, but which will integrate with or benefit the project as a whole.
These individuals are planned to be hired at Research Associate, Research Scientist or Research Engineer levels. The individual title is negotiable, depending on education, experience, and interests of the candidate and on whether expected contributions in the described duties will be more in the areas of engineering or science.
Position Number
4C0069, 4C8643, 4C2706, 4C0679, 4C1087, 4C3086, and 4C2575
Department
Spectrum Lab
Division
Office of Research and Economic Development
Appointment Type
Research Professional
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Exempt
Union Affiliation
Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Contract Type
LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
Spectrum Lab is an interdisciplinary MSU research center established in 1999 and reports to the Vice-President of Research and Economic Development (VPRED). It is dedicated to innovation in applied optics and photonics with a three-fold mission to:

• Develop and help commercialize Montana grown opto-electronic technologies.
• Transfer and develop technologies to Montana companies.
• Provide enhanced educational, research, and employment opportunities for Montana undergraduate and graduate students.

Spectrum Lab's location close to the MSU-Bozeman campus and in close proximity to spin-off companies and other local industry facilitates collaboration with MSU faculty and researchers and our local industry partners. The lab has several research grants and contracts in the areas of remote sensing, coherent imaging, and optical signal processing with average annual expenditures of roughly $1.5M.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct, report, and publish (when applicable) scientific/engineering research projects in applied optics, photonics and quantum technologies, including conducting independent research, conducting research as a team member, and leading a team of researchers.
• Supervise teams of undergraduate and graduate student researchers on research projects, including assigning tasks, providing technical assistance and advice, and following up on task completion and reporting.
• Depending on the positions title, individual experience and qualification, collaborate with research teams to develop new areas of applied optics, quantum optics and photonics research and actively contribute to obtaining funding through successful research proposals as a key contributor on the proposed work.
• Interact productively with research team, with MSU faculty, or with local companies with the goal of developing and/or helping to commercialize new technologies.
• Execute assignments and tasks that are specialized and advanced in nature with minimum supervision.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Research Associate:

1. Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of 2 or more years of research/laboratory experience in applied optics or quantum technology either in an academic institution or industry OR Master's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of research experience (academic or industrial) in photonics applications or quantum technology.
2. Successful record of research or professional experience in the areas of Experimental Microwave Photonics, Optomechanics, Quantum Communications and Quantum networks, Nonlinear optics or Fiber and Free-space Optics, rare-earth doped solids, Optical signal processing.

Research Scientist/Engineer:

1. Master's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of 3 or more years of experience (academic or industrial) in experimental or applied optics and original work in experimental or applied photonics, and a record of leadership in the execution and conduct of externally (e.g., government) funded research programs in optics, OR Ph.D. degree (including recently awarded) in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with documentation of original work in experimental or applied optics and demonstrated potential for leadership in the acquisition and conduct of externally (e.g., government) funded research programs in optics.
2. Successful record of research or professional experience in the areas of Experimental Quantum Optics, Quantum Communications and Quantum Networks, Nonlinear Optics, Fiber and Free-space Optics, rare-earth doped solids, and Optical Signal Processing.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals, patents, or presentations at technical conferences.
2. Have demonstrated the ability to actively and significantly contributed to the development of an innovative and externally funded research or development program.
3. Record of successfully completing and documenting research or development projects.
4. Demonstrated business development skills in research and development.
5. Good theoretical skills as demonstrated in academic work, technical writing, or work products.
6. Demonstrated experience in the use of technical and experimental computer software (such as MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, LabView).
7. Demonstrated experience in conducting hands-on experimental research, including skills in electronics and optics.
8. Demonstrated ability in successful technical project management.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Work productively in a professional manner, both autonomously and as a member of a team, prioritizing work in a challenging environment with many demands.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with colleagues in academia and private companies.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, publishing results of research in conference proceedings or possess the ability to handle and control material of a sensitive nature.
• Actively propose and significantly contribute to the development of innovative and externally funded research projects.
• Leadership potential and capabilities.
• Ability and desire to significantly contribute to the research missions of Spectrum Lab and the objectives of the grants and contracts.
• Have demonstrated ability to maintain effective attention to detail, to meet deadlines, and to well document and maintain thorough records of their work.
• Ability and desire to work with and engage a wide range of individuals on campus and in the larger research community, including faculty, research staff, students, and colleagues in academia and private companies.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position includes working in a facility with controlled research restrictions; therefore, applicants have to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the positions. The positions involve working with, handling, and controlling sensitive information.
Continuation of employment is contingent upon availability of funding.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
Multiple Positions
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on August 5, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position includes working in a facility with controlled research restrictions; therefore, applicants have to be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the positions. The position involves working with, handling, and controlling sensitive information.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.