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Postdoc Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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

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$124.2K

$185K

How much do postdoc optics photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoc optics photonics in the United States is $124,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a postdoc optics photonics?

Postdoc Optics Photonics positions are advanced research roles for individuals who have recently earned a PhD in physics, engineering, or a related field, with a focus on optics and photonics. These postdoctoral researchers work in universities, research institutes, or industry labs, conducting experiments and developing new technologies involving light, lasers, imaging systems, and optical materials. The goal is to contribute to scientific understanding and technological innovation in fields like telecommunications, biomedical imaging, quantum optics, and more. Postdocs typically publish their findings in scientific journals and may also mentor graduate students.

What types of collaborative projects can a postdoc in optics photonics expect to participate in within a research group?

As a Postdoc in Optics Photonics, you will often collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams that may include physicists, engineers, and material scientists. Projects frequently involve developing new optical devices, improving imaging techniques, or advancing photonic technologies, requiring regular meetings, joint experiments, and co-authorship on publications. You may also mentor graduate students and contribute to grant proposals, which helps build your leadership and project management skills. These collaborations not only enrich your research experience but also expand your professional network, opening doors for future academic or industry roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a postdoc in optics photonics, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoc in Optics and Photonics, you need advanced knowledge in physics or engineering, a PhD in a relevant field, and expertise in optical systems and photonic devices. Proficiency with simulation software (such as COMSOL or Zemax), laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration skills help you excel in multidisciplinary research environments. These skills are essential for advancing scientific knowledge, successfully conducting experiments, and contributing to cutting-edge technological developments.

What is the difference between Postdoc Optics Photonics vs Postdoc Laser Science?

AspectPostdoc Optics PhotonicsPostdoc Laser Science
Required CredentialsPhD in optics, photonics, or related fieldPhD in laser physics, optics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, industry R&DResearch labs, industry, academic institutions
Industry UsageOptical communication, imaging, sensingLaser manufacturing, medical lasers, industrial applications
Common Search IntentResearch opportunities, academic positionsResearch roles, industry positions involving lasers

Postdoc Optics Photonics and Postdoc Laser Science share similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in research settings. However, Optics Photonics focuses more on light manipulation and applications like imaging and communication, while Laser Science emphasizes laser development and industrial uses. Both roles are vital in advancing optical technologies and are frequently searched by researchers seeking specialized postdoctoral positions in their respective fields.

What other helpful pages are available for Postdoc Optics Photonics?

Other pages related to Postdoc Optics Photonics:

Infographic showing various Postdoc Optics Photonics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 72% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,213 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Developing Novel Photonic Hardware for Quantum Measurement and Artifi

Boulder, CO • On-site

Southeastern Universities Research Association
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Southeastern Universities Research Associationexternal

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Postdoctoral researcher to develop novel photonic hardware for quantum measurement and artificial intelligence.
The work will entail: Postdoctoral research in the NIST Boulder Sources and Detectors Group to develop novel photonic hardware for quantum measurement and artificial intelligence, with a focus on emerging technologies with future industry relevance and collaboration with industry partners. The position can focus on one of two complementary research directions, depending on the candidate's background and interests:
  1. Waveguide-integrated superconducting single-photon detectors. Research will explore the integration of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) with photonic waveguides, with an emphasis on high-efficiency photon detection, device design and fabrication, optical coupling, cryogenic characterization, and integrated quantum photonic systems.
  2. Optical hardware for artificial intelligence. Research will explore free-space optical systems for performing high-speed, energy-efficient matrix-vector multiplication and other operations relevant to neural networks. Possible directions include optical architectures for linear algebra, spatial light modulation, photodetection and readout, calibration and control of analog optical systems, and experimental demonstrations of photonic neural-network hardware.

Both directions emphasize the development of new physical hardware and experimental systems, with opportunities spanning device and system design, modeling, fabrication, optical experiments, electronics and control, and data analysis. Projects can be tailored to take advantage of the successful candidate's expertise while providing opportunities to develop skills across photonics, electronics, quantum technologies, and emerging computing architectures. Candidates are not expected to have experience in both research areas.
The ideal candidate will enjoy building experimental systems, developing new hardware concepts, and working at the intersection of fundamental physics and emerging technologies.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Develop new physical hardware and experimental systems, with opportunities spanning device and system design, modeling, fabrication, optical experiments, electronics and control, and data analysis
  • Write Python code for data acquisition and analysis.
  • Construction and operation of experimental hardware that may include laser optical systems, integrated photonics, cryogenics, and analog or mixed-signal electronics.
  • Document results and procedures in lab books, written manuals, operating procedures, or technical reports.
  • Communicate results to NIST stakeholders via conference presentations and peer reviewed papers.

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in applied physics, electrical engineering, optics/photonics, quantum science and engineering, or related field, received within the last five years.
  • Experience working in laboratory environment.
  • Python programming knowledge.
  • Dedication to safe operation of laboratory equipment.
  • Relevant experience may include integrated photonics, superconducting devices, nanofabrication, cryogenic measurements, free-space optics, optical system design, analog or mixed-signal electronics, computational imaging, or photonic/neuromorphic computing.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
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