1

Postdoctoral Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

High-speed Photonic Experimentalist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$126K - $155K/yr

Candidates with relevant PhD/postdoctoral exposure, as well as those with additional industry ... MS or PhD in electrical engineering, applied physics, optical engineering, photonics, or a related ...

Unclassified

Pasadena, CA

$20.50 - $25/hr

Our approach: hire a number of outstanding postdoc researchers to focus on long term technology development in the areas of: * Integrated Optics * Nano-photonics * Quantum sensors * Space detectors

next page

Showing results 1-20

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:
Postdoctoral Research Associate: Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics

Postdoctoral Research Associate: Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate: Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name T-4/Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics
Minimum Salary
Maximum Salary
What You Will Do
The Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics Group is seeking qualified candidates to hire as a postdoctoral research associate to work within our research teams.
The Quantum and Condensed Matter Physics Group (T-4) in the Theoretical Division conducts both basic and applied theoretical research in a wide range of areas, including quantum matter, strongly correlated systems, quantum information science, quantum computing, quantum photonics, materials physics, nonequilibrium dynamics, statistical physics, applied energy, and atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics including opacity. This research supports the missions of the U.S. Department of Energy.
Successful applicants will join a highly collaborative environment and be a part of a dynamic team of quantum and condensed matter theory scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
A successful candidate must demonstrate strong skills in condensed matter theory and/or quantum systems with an excellent scientific record of publications. The ability to work creatively as a part of a diverse team and independently is important. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential.
Education: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science (completed within the last 5 years).
Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbal and written) well in a professional scientific context.

Note to Applicants:
Please apply for the position online. The position has an initial appointment of two years. Additional information on salary ranges and other benefits can be found online at http://www.lanl.gov/postdocs/.
Candidates may be considered for a Director's Fellowship and outstanding candidates may be considered for the prestigious Darleane Hoffman, Richard P. Feynman, or J. Robert Oppenheimer Fellowships. For general information refer to the Postdoctoral Program webpage.
Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
§ Dental and vision insurance
§ Free basic life and disability insurance
§ Paid childbirth and parental leave
§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs
§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2 . Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Postdoc
Postdoc
Contact Details
Contact Name
Email
Work Telephone

What Los Alamos National Laboratory employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom