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Postdoctoral Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Showing results 41-50

Postdoctoral Optics Photonics information

See salary details

$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral optics photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 is a postdoctoral optics photonics position?

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:
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Optics Photonics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Radio Frequency Phononic Integrated Microsystems, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
Our team is hiring multiple Postdoctoral Appointees to advance next-generation technologies at the intersection of piezoelectric acoustic wave physics, phononic signal processing, and radio frequency engineering. These positions will focus on understanding and engineering device physics in advanced heterostructure material platforms, with an emphasis on acoustoelectric interactions and integration into radio frequency microsystems. Research activities may include device design and modeling, mask layout, characterization using automated and custom probe stations, and development of new phononics-based signal processing architectures. In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead research efforts and publications while working closely with a multidisciplinary team of physicists, materials scientists, and engineers.
On any given day, you may be called upon to:
  • Design radio frequency phononic devices and oversee related fabrication
  • Develop and execute experiments to study phononic and electron-phonon physics in advanced materials
  • Evaluate piezoelectric acoustic wave device performance in new heterostructure material platforms
  • Characterize and qualify devices for integration into radio frequency microsystems
  • Communicate research results through publications and conferences
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including experimentalists and theorists

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. Relocation will be provided for those that qualify.
Qualifications We Require
  • PhD, conferred within 5 years prior to employment in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L clearance

Qualifications We Desire
  • A record of technical achievement, as evidenced by first-author publications in scientific journals.

About Our Team
The III-V Optoelectronics Department develops compound semiconductor and RF devices, photonics, and microsystems for national security applications including high-performance computing, communications, renewable energy, sensing and imaging. As part of Sandia's Microsystems Science, Technology and Components Center, we research, design, fabricate, prototype, test and deliver novel RF and photonics devices, including lasers, photonic integrated circuits, and sensors. We focus on R&D of high performance technology platforms and customized microsystems.We leverage state-of-the-art materials and fabrication capabilities within the Microsystems Engineering Sciences and Applications (MESA) cleanroom complex to serve a broad mix of internal and external customers. Core capabilities include:Optical, optoelectronic and electronic modeling and simulationEpitaxial design, materials growth (MOCVD/MBE) and materials characterizationDesign, microfabrication and testing of III-V photonic devices, RF devices and photonic integrated circuitsHeterogeneous microsystem integration and prototypingHigh-speed and harsh-environment optoelectronics, and device reliability
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.