Postdoctoral Appointee - AMO Physicist, Onsite

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 vacations, 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

We are seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Appointee to support research projects developing advanced atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics-based quantum sensors and neutral atom quantum computing systems. Current sensing projects include: development of electric field sensing with Rydberg atoms and spin polarized neutrons, optically pumped magnetometers for magnetoencephalography applications, compact, low power, fieldable atomic clocks, inertial sensing with atom interferometers, and optical comb development for remote spectroscopy of greenhouse gases.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Work with a team of physicists and engineers to develop practical (deployable) sensing technologies by overcoming challenges in physics and engineering.
• Conduct fundamental research into phenomena relating to quantum sensing and neutral atom quantum computing.
• Construct and conduct experiments.
• Perform signal processing and data analysis.
• Help build and test sensor systems and components.
• Attend conferences and meetings.
• Publish papers on new scientific and engineering results.
• Assist staff in developing new ideas, research directions, and programs.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite 100% of the time.

Qualifications We Require

• A PhD in atomic, molecular, optical, or neutron physics or electrical engineering conferred within five (5) years prior to employment.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • atomic physics
  • atomic clocks
  • Rydberg electrometry
  • optically pumped magnetometry
  • magnetoencephalography
  • hyperpolarized noble gas
  • polarized neutrons
  • diode laser systems
  • laser optics
  • optical alignment
  • mechanical design
  • computer control of experiments and electronic equipment
• Ability to acquire and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance

Qualifications We Desire

• Track record of successful research and development in AMO-relevant fields
• Experience with one or more of the followings:
  • hot/warm alkali vapor cells
  • cold-atom atomic physics experiments
  • trapped ions
  • magnetoencephalography data collection and processing
• Experience with:
  • laser and optical systems
  • data acquisition, signal processing, and data analysis
  • Matlab, Mathematica, Python
  • Solidworks, Zemax, Comsol
• Outstanding academic/research record
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal and organization skills, including the ability to collaborate well in a diverse team environment and develop positive relationships

About Our Team

The Atom-Optic Sensing and Electrochemistry Engineering Department leverages a diverse capability set to provide science and technology products to enhance Sandia's national security missions. The department includes a broad set of expertise including atomic physics, micro-optics, x-ray imaging, and electrochemistry/electrodeposition. As part of the Microsystems Engineering Sciences and Applications (MESA) facility, we provide solutions including atomic physics-based sensors; optically pumped magnetometry, electrometry, neutron imaging for E-fields, atom and ion trapping devices and systems; x-ray phase contrast imaging; critical electrochemical materials processes; and unparalleled micro-machined devices. In addition to work for internal Sandia organizations, we have an established record of successful engagement with external customers

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) 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.

Position Information

This postdoctoral position is a temporary position for up to one year, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to five additional years. The PhD must have been conferred within five years prior to employment.

Individuals in postdoctoral positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.