Postdoctoral Fellow in Quantum Materials and Quantum Optics

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