ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Postdoctoral Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Troy University

Postdoctoral Associate

Troy, AL · On-site

Conduct independent and collaborative research in Photonics, semiconductor plasmonics and energy ... Hands-on experience with fabrication techniques and optical characterization methods; experience ...

QCi

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics

Hoboken, NJ · On-site +1

$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

$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 ...

Quandela

Senior Research Scientist US

Washington, DC · On-site

$111K - $142K/yr

Mentor junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and interns. * Contribute to ... Integrated photonics * Quantum optics * Quantum algorithms * Quantum hardware architectures

Quandela

Senior Research Scientist US

Washington, DC · On-site

$111K - $142K/yr

Mentor junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and interns. * Contribute to ... Integrated photonics * Quantum optics * Quantum algorithms * Quantum hardware architectures

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPostdoctoral Optics Photonics Jobs

Postdoctoral Optics Photonics information

See salary details

$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral optics photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral optics photonics 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Optics Photonics researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Optics Photonics researcher, you need a Ph.D. in physics, optics, or a related field, with strong expertise in experimental and theoretical photonics. Familiarity with simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, Zemax), laboratory instrumentation, and advanced optical measurement techniques is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing research, publishing results, and contributing to multidisciplinary teams in a rapidly evolving scientific field.

What are Postdoctoral Optics Photonics positions?

Postdoctoral Optics Photonics positions are research-focused roles typically held by individuals who have recently earned their Ph.D. in physics, optical engineering, or related fields. These positions involve conducting advanced research in optics and photonics, including areas like laser technology, imaging, optical communications, and quantum optics. Postdoctoral researchers work in academic, government, or industrial labs, collaborating with principal investigators and other scientists to advance knowledge and technology in the field. Their work often results in publications, patents, and contributions to cutting-edge innovations.

What types of collaborative projects can a Postdoctoral Optics Photonics researcher expect to be involved in?

As a Postdoctoral Optics Photonics researcher, you will often collaborate on interdisciplinary projects with physicists, engineers, and material scientists. These collaborations might include developing advanced imaging systems, working on laser applications, or designing optical sensors. You can expect to participate in regular team meetings, contribute to shared experimental setups, and co-author publications or grant proposals. Such collaborations not only broaden your technical expertise but also help you build a strong professional network, which is valuable for future career advancement.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Optics Photonics vs Postdoctoral Physics?

AspectPostdoctoral Optics PhotonicsPostdoctoral Physics
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Optics, Photonics, or related fieldPh.D. in Physics or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs focused on optics and photonics technologiesVaried, including research labs, academia, and industry
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, photonics companies, research institutesUniversities, research institutions, industry

Postdoctoral Optics Photonics and Postdoctoral Physics roles often require similar advanced degrees and research experience. However, Postdoctoral Optics Photonics focuses specifically on optical and photonic technologies, while Postdoctoral Physics covers a broader range of physics topics. Both roles are research-intensive and commonly found in academic and industry settings, but the specialization in optics and photonics makes Postdoctoral Optics Photonics more targeted toward optical applications and innovations.

More about Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Optics Photonics job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs are:
Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs near you
2026 PhD Graduate - Optics and Photonics Postdoctoral Fellow

2026 PhD Graduate - Optics and Photonics Postdoctoral Fellow

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 57 rated research

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 http://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 Accommodations@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

Apply