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Photonics Postdoc Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Photonics Postdoc information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$23.9K

$56.4K

$79.8K

How much do photonics postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics postdoc in Oak Ridge, TN is $56,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,800.00 and $63,600.00 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.

What job categories do people searching Photonics Postdoc jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Photonics Postdoc jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

Infographic showing various Photonics Postdoc job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,427 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Integrated Photonics

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16703 

Overview:

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.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will support the Quantum Sensing and Computing Group in the Computational Science and Engineering Division (CSED), Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Participate in new and ongoing research on quantum integrated photonics.
  • Formulate novel quantum sensing solutions to problems of national interest and support the research and development necessary for the practical implementation of those solutions
  • Interpret, report, and present research concepts and results to national audiences at all levels
  • Write peer-reviewed papers and technical reports for internal and external release and represent the organization by giving technical presentations in large public forums
  • 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 or a related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

  • We are interested in candidates with general research experiences in quantum optics and quantum information science. Priority is given to candidates with experience on the design, fabrication, and testing of integrated photonic devices and circuits.
  • 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:

  • Export control, no clearanceThis position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license. 

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 postdocrecruitment@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

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

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. 

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people. The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.

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.


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