Postdoctoral Researcher in Electro-Optical Systems - Innovative Sensors and Systems Department, Onsite

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

The Innovative Sensors and Systems department is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Appointee researcher to contribute to cutting-edge research in novel optical communication systems. This position offers an exciting opportunity to engage in both the design and development of fieldable hardware and the modeling and simulation of laser propagation in various environments. The successful candidate will collaborate with a dynamic team and contribute to advancements in optical technologies.

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

• Conduct innovative research in laser-based optical communication, including the simulation, design, and characterization (e.g., signal to noise, bandwidth, beam wander) of novel devices.
• Develop new concepts in electo-optical devices through design, prototype, and measurement.
• Conduct experiments in optics labs, environmental test labs, and in the field.
• Collaborate effectively within the laboratory and with external partners, including academic, industrial, and government partners.
• Publish research findings in top-tier journals and present at leading conferences.
• Contribute to the generation of intellectual property through innovative research and development.

Research Focus: This role encompasses both the design and construction of fieldable hardware and the modeling and simulation of laser propagation in atmospheric conditions and scattering media. The successful candidate will play a vital role in enhancing our understanding and capabilities in optical communication systems.

Work Environment: Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite. You will have the freedom to propose and lead your own research initiatives within the framework of ongoing projects, allowing you to innovate and explore new ideas.

Join us in pushing the boundaries of optical technologies and making significant contributions to the field of optical communication systems!

• PhD acquired within the last 5 years, in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, Optical Science, or other relevant STEM field.
• Experience with electro-optics: lasers, photodetectors, and associated electronics.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance.

• Proficiency in diverse communication methods, including oral presentations, the creation of impactful visual materials, and the preparation of written reports. Demonstrated ability to clearly and concisely convey scientific and technical information tailored to the audience's level of understanding.
• Record of publication of results in peer-reviewed journals and external presentations at professional scientific conferences
• Background in optical communications, optical engineering, physical modeling, computational imaging, atmospheric effects, and/or modeling effects of scattering media.
• Experience with one or more of the following: MATLAB, Python, C/C , Arduino, LabVIEW, Zemax, Mathematica, COMSOL, FRED, and associated hardware integration.
• Experience with electro-optics: lasers, photodetectors, and associated electronics.

The Innovation and Sensors team specializes in the development of multi-function sensors and targeting systems for SWAP (size, weight & power)-constrained platforms, in support of a diverse suite of national security missions.

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.

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 Q-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 DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

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.

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.

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.