Optical Research Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland serves as the catalyst for high-quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st-century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, to accelerate entrepreneurship, and to transform research and learning activities into new innovations that benefit millions.
The You Zhou Lab within the Department of Materials Science & Engineering seeks to recruit multiple researchers at the rank of Assistant Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Associate. The project is to develop radio frequency quantum electronics based on two-dimensional materials.. This work will be conducted in close collaboration with researchers from the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory and requires U.S. citizenship. It would also position the researcher with access to a broad base of collaborators and opportunities from which to launch and build his or her own research enterprise. The expected start date is Summer 2025, though there is some flexibility.
Some specific duties include:
Working with multidisciplinary teams of researchers (e.g., engineers, physicists), to design and carry out research, primarily at the intersection of materials and electronics; Producing high-impact research in support of publications or proposals; Reviewing and synthesizing existing literature to inform new proposal directions or whitepapers for federal agencies; Working with and training faculty research assistants, graduate students, and undergraduate assistants on various problems in electronic and optical materials; Directing and conducting data collection at Army Research Labs facilities; Preparing presentations, reports, funding proposals, and scholarly publications related to research and communicating those deliverables to internal or external sponsors.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering field by the start date.
Experience: directing/training junior researchers (undergraduate/graduate research assistants).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Demonstrated leadership ability, such as managing teams of engineers or scientists.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral/presentations and written.
Physical Demands:
This position requires the individual to wear and work in cleanroom personal protective equipment. The individual must be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. and maneuver delicate or bulky optical equipment. This position requires fine motor skills for handling small, fragile components and the ability to perform tasks requiring visual acuity, such as aligning optical systems and inspecting materials under microscopes. The individual may be exposed to hazards including laser radiation, chemical solvents, and equipment with moving parts.
Preferences: Background/expertise in the following areas:
• 2D materials
• RF electronics
• Nanofabrication
• Optics
Licenses/ Certifications: n/a
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials: Interested candidates should send their CV with a publication list to: Dr. You Zhou - youzhou@umd.edu
Best Consideration Date: 7/31/2025
Posting Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Financial Disclosure Required
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
ENGR-Materials Science & Engineering
Worker Sub-Type
Faculty Regular
Salary Range
50,000 - 130,000
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
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