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Photonics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quandela

Senior Research Scientist US

Washington, DC · On-site

$111K - $142K/yr

Conduct high-level research in quantum computing, quantum photonics, quantum information science ... Mentor junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and interns. * Contribute to ...

QCi

$126K/yr

QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable ... Position Description We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics to join our ...

QCi

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

$126K/yr

QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable ... Position Description We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics to join our ...

PsiQuantum

High-speed Photonic Experimentalist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$126K - $155K/yr

Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic ... Candidates with relevant PhD/postdoctoral exposure, as well as those with additional industry ...

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Photonics Postdoc information

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How much do photonics postdoc jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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 are Photonics Postdocs?

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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Photonics Postdoc jobs
What cities are hiring for Photonics Postdoc jobs? Cities with the most Photonics Postdoc job openings:
What states have the most Photonics Postdoc jobs? States with the most job openings for Photonics Postdoc jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Photonics Postdoc jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Photonics Postdoc jobs are:
Photonics Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Postdoc job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% 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.

Senior Research Scientist US

Quandela

Washington, DC • On-site

$111K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Quandela stands as a global leader in quantum computing, driven by groundbreaking technology and a strategic vision for scaling quantum solutions. The company's unique ability to offer both hardware and software solutions, along with its commitment to build energy efficient datacenters and scalability, positions it to play a key role in the next wave of innovation, and in many strategic and sovereign industrial sectors.
Join Us at the Forefront of Quantum Computing Innovation
We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist with a strong scientific background in quantum computing, quantum photonics, or a closely related field to contribute to and lead advanced research activities in the United States.
This role will focus on driving scientific excellence, developing innovative concepts, and translating research ideas into experimental, theoretical, or computational results that support Quandela's technology roadmap. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across quantum physics, integrated photonics, electronics, algorithms, software, and engineering.
The Senior Research Scientist will play a key role in advancing Quandela's research agenda, contributing to strategic research programs, supporting technical roadmaps, mentoring junior scientists, and strengthening collaborations with academic, government, and industrial partners.
Key Responsibilities
Scientific Research & Innovation
  • Conduct high-level research in quantum computing, quantum photonics, quantum information science, or related areas.
  • Develop novel scientific concepts, models, methods, and experimental or computational approaches aligned with Quandela's technology strategy.
  • Contribute to the design, analysis, and validation of quantum computing architectures, photonic quantum systems, components, algorithms, or enabling technologies.
  • Translate scientific advances into tangible research outputs, including prototypes, demonstrators, technical reports, publications, patents, and internal know-how.
  • Stay at the forefront of advances in quantum computing, integrated photonics, quantum hardware, and hardware/software architectures.
  • Identify emerging scientific opportunities and contribute insights to guide long-term research directions.

Technical Leadership
  • Provide scientific leadership within multidisciplinary R&D projects involving quantum physics, photonics, electronics, algorithms, and software engineering.
  • Define and refine research objectives, technical milestones, and scientific work plans in collaboration with research leads, engineers, and program stakeholders.
  • Support the transition from research concepts to proof-of-concept demonstrations, prototypes, and validation milestones.
  • Contribute to technical roadmap development and ensure research activities remain aligned with company objectives and project deliverables.
  • Review scientific results, challenge assumptions, and ensure rigorous research methodology and high-quality technical execution.

Collaboration & Program Support
  • Work closely with internal R&D teams to support project execution and milestone-driven progress.
  • Contribute scientific content to research proposals, technical reports, program reviews, and stakeholder presentations.
  • Support interactions with funding institutions, government agencies, universities, national laboratories, and industrial partners.
  • Participate in collaborative research programs and help coordinate scientific contributions across internal and external teams.
  • Represent Quandela at conferences, workshops, consortium meetings, and scientific events.

Mentoring & Knowledge Sharing
  • Mentor junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and interns.
  • Contribute to building a culture of scientific excellence, rigor, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
  • Share expertise through internal seminars, technical reviews, documentation, and scientific discussions.
  • Help establish research best practices, technical standards, and collaborative working methods within a growing U.S. R&D environment.

Requirements
Qualifications & Skills
  • PhD in physics, quantum information science, quantum technologies, photonics, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field.
  • Typically 7-10+ years of relevant research experience in quantum computing, quantum optics, photonics, or advanced quantum technologies.
  • Strong publication record and demonstrated ability to produce high-quality scientific results.
  • Deep understanding of at least one of the following areas:
    • Quantum information science
    • Photonic quantum computing
    • Integrated photonics
    • Quantum optics
    • Quantum algorithms
    • Quantum hardware architectures
    • Quantum error correction or fault-tolerant computing
  • Experience contributing to complex, multidisciplinary R&D projects.
  • Ability to connect scientific vision with practical technical execution.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with scientists, engineers, project managers, executives, and external partners.
  • Experience with government-funded research projects, technical reporting, or defense-related R&D programs is an asset.
  • Familiarity with intellectual property generation, patents, or technology transfer is desirable.
  • Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be U.S. citizens to meet government program and security requirements.

Benefits
  • The opportunity to lead strategic national programs at the forefront of quantum technologies
  • A collaborative, innovative environment bridging cutting-edge science and industrial applications,
  • Competitive compensation package, including relocation support if required.
  • The chance to shape the future of quantum computing with one of the leading players in the field

At Quandela, we believe that the strength of our team is the plurality of experiences, perspectives, and journeys. We are committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment. All applications are welcome.

Apply