Post Bachelor
Quantum sensing based on optically active defects (color centers) is an emerging opportunity to deploy
SI-traceable measurements across a wide range of industries, including transportation, medicine, and
resource exploration. The Nanoscale Spectroscopy Group seeks an assistant research physicist to
conduct optical spectroscopy experiments on single-photon emitters and to control their emission using
optical and magnetic spectroscopies. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of
measurement methods for characterizing color centers in solid-state materials. The position will include
operation and maintenance of optical setups, development of experimental and analysis programming
code, and routine characterization of samples to support the NIST Color Center Quantum Sensing
Program. With supervision, the candidate will develop high-resolution spectral characterization of NV
diamond and other deterministic color centers; interrogate promising new materials such as color
centers in GaN, Si, and SiC, etc.; characterize nanoscale optical property measurements, including single-
center spin-based emission, time-resolved detection, and nanoscale magnetometry using quantum
readout of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. The work impacts the goals of the nanoscale
spectroscopy program to advance the development of engineered artificial atoms for nanoscale sensing
and quantum applications. The candidate will interact with a broader team with expertise in
spectroscopy and materials chemistry. Strong oral and written communication skills are necessary.
Disseminate research results through open literature publication and technical talks at conferences.
Assistant Research Physicist, Spectroscopy of color centers in wide-bandgap semiconductors for quantum sensing
- A Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or a related field.
- At least 2 years of relevant experience.
- Familiarity with color centers, such as NV centers in Diamond and Si vacancies in SiC.
- Familiarity with scripting languages.
- Ability to work well in a group.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Creation of data acquisition, automation, and analysis routines using Python and other
programming languages. - Experience building and operating custom optical setups, including the safe operation of lasers,
optical alignment, and automating instrument control. - Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise
transmitted to the larger organization. - Good written and oral communication skills.
- Presenting results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
- Experience with optical spin resonance and spin dephasing measurements, birefringence,
scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence, Raman Spectroscopy, and UV-vis
spectroscopy are not required but strongly preferred.