The Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division is seeking a highly qualified and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in the area of light-matter interactions, with a particular focus on developing a new hybrid light–matter platform that couples transition metal complexes with optical microcavities to achieve optical control over ultrafast spin conversion and charge transfer dynamics.
This position focuses on advancing fundamental understanding of light-matter interactions with direct relevance to energy conversion. The research involves exploring the excited-state dynamics and mechanisms of photoinduced charge transfer and spin state conversion across a wide spectrum of systems, including small transition metal complexes and donor-acceptor systems. By performing state-of-the-art ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy techniques—such as transient absorption and impulsive vibrational spectroscopy—the role aims to probe polariton-controlled electronic and nuclear dynamics occurring on femtosecond to nanosecond timescales in photoexcited molecules and materials.
The postdoctoral appointee will play a central role in fabricating and characterizing planar Fabry–Pérot optical microcavities incorporating the molecular systems for strong light–matter coupling. The successful candidate will:
Develop thin-film deposition and cavity fabrication processes, including spin coating, polymer matrix blending, and metal mirror deposition
Tune and characterize optical resonances to achieve strong light–matter coupling and verify polariton formation
Collaborate closely with team members performing femtosecond transient absorption and impulsive vibrational spectroscopy to correlate cavity-induced electronic, structural and spin-state changes with photophysical dynamics
Position Requirements
Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0–5 years) with strong background in physical chemistry, photophysics, photochemistry, and polariton chemistry
Hands-on experience in thin-film deposition, and spectroscopic characterization
Hands-on experience in fabricating Fabry–Pérot microcavities or other resonant optical structures
Experience with thin-film characterization techniques such as ellipsometry or reflectance
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork
Preferred Requirements:
Experience with ultrafast nonlinear optical spectroscopy (e.g., transient absorption), including laser operation, optical alignment, and data analysis
Experience in synthetic inorganic chemistry and transition metal complex photophysics
Job Family
Postdoctoral
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
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