Postdoctoral Fellow in Quantum Materials and Quantum Optics

Indiana University
Indiana University

Bloomington, IN, USA

Posted on Aug 27, 2026

Posting Details

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Quantum Materials and Quantum Optics
Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track
Department IU Bloomington Intelligent Systems Engineering
Location Bloomington
Position Summary
Working under the direction of Dr. Iqbal Utama, the postdoctoral fellow will lead experimental research focused on low-dimensional, molecular, and hybrid organic–inorganic materials for applications in quantum sensing, quantum photonics, and related quantum technologies. The successful candidate will design, fabricate, and characterize quantum materials and nanoscale devices, contribute to scientific publications and research proposals, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in a collaborative research environment.

This is an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers to advance an independent research program, build a strong publication record, and contribute to cutting-edge developments in quantum science and technology within a highly interdisciplinary and well-supported academic setting.

Specific Duties:
  • Conduct experimental research on low-dimensional, molecular, and hybrid organic–inorganic materials for quantum sensing, quantum photonics, and related quantum technologies.
  • Design, fabricate, and characterize quantum-material and nanoscale devices using techniques that may include materials synthesis and processing, nanofabrication, optical spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, magnetometry, and optically-detected magnetic resonance.
  • Develop experimental protocols and assist with the setup, operation, maintenance, and documentation of laboratory instruments.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data and maintain complete, organized records of experiments, procedures, and results.
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at scientific meetings.
  • Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, technical reports, and collaborative projects.
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students and provide training in relevant laboratory methods.
  • Contribute to a safe, collegial, collaborative, and intellectually engaged laboratory environment.

Anticipated start date: December 1, 2026, or a mutually agreed date thereafter.
Anticipated end date: November 30, 2027, based on a December 1, 2026 start date.

Appointment term: The initial appointment will be for 12 months. The appointment may be renewed annually, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
Basic Qualifications
Required Education:
  • Ph.D. completed by the appointment start date. This degree must be in Physics; Chemistry; Materials Science and Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Chemical Engineering; Applied Physics; or a closely related field.

Required Experience:
  • Relevant hands-on experimental research experience obtained during the candidate’s doctoral training is required and is described in the position qualifications.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions may be sent to: Dr. Iqbal Utama (iqutama@iu.edu)
Additional Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
  • Two-dimensional or other low-dimensional materials.
  • Molecular, organic, or hybrid organic–inorganic materials.
  • Cleanroom nanofabrication, including electron-beam or optical lithography, thin-film deposition, etching, or atomic layer deposition.
  • Optical spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, time-resolved spectroscopy, or single-photon measurements.
  • Optically detected magnetic resonance, spin resonance, quantum sensing, or scanning-probe magnetometry.
  • Scanning probe microscopy and related techniques.
  • Construction, modification, automation, or troubleshooting of optical measurement systems.
  • Simulation of light–matter interactions using software packages such as Lumerical FDTD and COMSOL Multiphysics
Salary and Rank
Special Instructions
Applications received by October 5, 2026 will receive full consideration. However, we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

Interested candidates should review the application requirements and apply online at:
https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/34134

We will continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

Application Materials:
1) CV
2) Cover Letter
3) Contact information for at least 3 references
For Best Consideration Date 10/05/2026
Expected Start Date 12/01/2026
Posting Number IU-101649-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Have you previously been employed with IU?
    • Yes
    • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Letter of Application
  3. List Of References
Optional Documents
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