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Photonics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Troy University

Postdoctoral Associate

Troy, AL · On-site

Posting Details Position Information Posting Number SF2409P Position Title Postdoctoral Associate ... Conduct independent and collaborative research in Photonics, semiconductor plasmonics and energy ...

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How much do photonics postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics postdoc in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photonics postdoc?

Photonics Postdocs are researchers who have completed their doctoral studies and are engaged in advanced research in the field of photonics, which involves the study and application of light (photons). They typically work at universities, research institutions, or industry labs to develop new optical technologies, conduct experiments, and publish scientific papers. These positions are often temporary, lasting from one to three years, and are intended to further develop the researcher's expertise and prepare them for permanent academic or industry roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonics postdoc?

To thrive as a Photonics Postdoc, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field, with expertise in optics and photonics principles. Familiarity with optical simulation software, laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis tools is typically required, along with experience in experimental design. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and clear scientific communication are essential soft skills for success. These competencies enable innovative research, effective teamwork, and dissemination of findings in a highly technical and collaborative academic environment.

What are some common challenges faced by photonics postdocs when transitioning from academic research to industry roles?

Photonics postdocs often find the shift from academia to industry challenging due to differences in project timelines, expectations, and communication styles. In industry, results-driven projects may require faster turnaround and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, emphasizing practical applications over theoretical exploration. Adjusting to proprietary research, intellectual property policies, and the need for concise reporting are also common hurdles. Developing strong project management and communication skills can help ease this transition and open opportunities for career growth in both research and development settings.
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Photonics Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Postdoc job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

2026 PhD Graduate - Optics and Photonics Postdoctoral Fellow

Laurel, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratoryexternal

$48K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
Are you an expert in an optics or photonics related field?
Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through cutting edge research and development projects?
Do you like contributing to multi-disciplinary teams that span multiple organizations?
If you are graduating with a PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline and want to apply your expertise to optics and photonics research applications, we'd love to have you join our team as a Postdoctoral Researcher!
As a member of our team, you will collaborate with our teams of skilled scientists and engineers focused on developing innovative solutions to our nation's critical challenges. We seek to drive technology advances in a variety of applications including remote sensing, microwave and millimeter-wave photonics, optical communications, optical system design, high energy laser systems, applied spectroscopy, optical materials characterization, and advanced photonic technologies.
As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Optics and Photonics Group...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to support projects as an individual technical contributor and thought leader. Examples of this include using software tools to develop modeling and simulation capabilities, designing and setting up complex experiments in various optical laboratories, and performing data analysis.
  • You will serve as a resource to the group and the lab in your area of technical expertise. This includes teaching and mentoring staff at all levels, collaborating with others to propose new ideas, and keeping up with the technical community on state of the art advancements in your field.
  • You will apply your understanding of optics and photonics to develop expertise in new areas in support of a variety of technology programs.
  • You will make an impact by detailing work into formal and informal technical reports including, presentations, conference proceedings, and journal articles.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • Are an expert in one of the following areas: Remote Sensing, Microwave and Millimeter Wave Photonics, Optical Communications, Optical System Design, High Energy Laser systems and technologies, Applied Spectroscopy, Optical Materials Characterization, or Advanced Photonics.
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Have experience teaching and mentoring others within your field.
  • Are willing and able to work on site at APL and travel occasionally in support of meetings, workshops and reviews with government sponsors, contractors, vendors, and field tests.
  • Are able to obtain and Interim Secret to start and a final Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have directly relevant experience in a hands on laboratory environment in one or more of the focus areas for this group.
  • Have established yourself in the technical community through journal and conference publications and involvement in professional societies.
  • Hold a current Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain higher-level clearances.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,300 Annually
Maximum Rate
$155,500 Annually

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