Postdoctoral Research Associate - Axial Chiral Phonons for Opto-Spintronic Control, Physics & Astronomy

JOB TITLE:                       

Postdoctoral Research Associate — Axial Chiral Phonons for Opto-Spintronic Control

JOB PURPOSE:

The University of Wyoming seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead the experimental program of a joint UW–Los Alamos National Laboratory project on axial chiral phonons in two-dimensional semiconductors. The position is a single appointment split across both institutions: approximately 2.5 years resident at LANL and 1.5 year at UW, so that samples grown and optically screened in Wyoming are characterized at LANL with real-time feedback between the two groups.

The successful candidate will be the connective tissue of the collaboration — growing the material, running the measurements at both sites, and carrying knowledge in both directions. Expected start: [Summer 2027]. Initial term of 2 years, renewable annually to a total of 4 years based on performance and funding.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Grow and optimize WS₂–WSe₂–WS₂ lateral multijunctions, and characterize sample quality before measurement

• Design and run helicity-resolved magneto-Raman measurements under cryogenic and high-magnetic-field conditions

• Carry out nano-optical imaging and correlative AFM / SEM-EDX characterization of chiral junctions at LANL

• Analyze and model spectroscopic data; relate observed mode behavior to electron–phonon coupling and scattering dynamics

• Maintain the feedback loop between sites: communicate characterization results back to the growth effort so subsequent sample generations improve

• Co-mentor one PhD student and one undergraduate researcher at UW

• Lead manuscript preparation, present at conferences, and contribute to reports, beamtime or user proposals, and follow-on funding applications

• Contribute to safe, well-documented laboratory practice at both institutions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a closely related field, completed by the date of appointment

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with optical spectroscopy of solid-state materials — Raman, photoluminescence, or comparable

• Experience aligning and operating free-space optical setups, including laser safety practice

• Working knowledge of condensed matter physics: phonons, electron–phonon coupling, and the optical properties of semiconductors

• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, Igor, or equivalent)

• Record of peer-reviewed publication appropriate to career stage

• Willingness and ability to relocate for the residency at Los Alamos, NM and the residency in Laramie, WY

• Ability to meet LANL's requirements for site access and a guest appointment

• Evidence of independent problem-solving in a laboratory setting

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

No candidate is expected to arrive with all of these. The strongest applicants will bring depth in one or two areas and the appetite to learn the rest.

• CVD or MOCVD growth of transition metal dichalcogenides, particularly lateral heterostructures and multijunctions

• Polarization- and helicity-resolved Raman spectroscopy, and familiarity with chiral or angular-momentum-carrying phonon modes

• Measurement in cryostats and high-field magnet systems, including cryogenic optical access and sample mounting

• Ultrafast optics: pump-probe spectroscopy, broadband or white-light continuum probes, amplified or oscillator systems, coherent phonon measurement

• Near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM, TERS) or Kelvin probe force microscopy

• Correlative microscopy workflows combining AFM with SEM-EDX

• Prior experience at a DOE national laboratory or other user facility, including user proposal writing

• Experience mentoring graduate or undergraduate researchers

• Familiarity with group theory as applied to lattice vibrations, or with first-principles phonon calculations

• Instrument automation and control (LabVIEW, Python instrument control) or custom optical setup construction  

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 

Complete the online application.  The department additionally requests candidates upload the following document(s) for a complete application: 

1. Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing your experimental background and your interest in this project specifically
2. Curriculum vitae including a full publication list
3. Brief statement of research experience and goals (1–2 pages), naming the techniques you would bring on day one
4. Contact information for three professional references

WORK LOCATION: 

On-campus: This position provides vital support to campus customers, and the successful candidate must be available to work and perform essential job functions on campus, understanding our location is at 7,220 feet above sea level. 

WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS:

THE RESEARCH

Chiral phonons carry angular momentum, and in opto-spintronic devices they mediate chirality-induced transport alongside chirality-carrying photocarriers. How axial chiral phonons behave at low temperature and in high magnetic field — the conditions such devices would actually operate in — remains essentially unexplored. This project closes that gap using WS₂–WSe₂–WS₂ lateral multijunctions as a structural benchmark for long-range phonon coherence, and asks whether these modes can be identified, controlled, and ultimately used.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:   

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email [email protected].  

ABOUT LARAMIE: 

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn  more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website. 

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/ 

Posted Salary Range: 65000-67000