Research Associate

at  The University of Texas at Austin

Job Posting Title:
Research Associate
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Hiring Department:
Department of Physics
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:
The Department of Physics
plays a pivotal role in the advancing of knowledge, nurturing the next generation of physicists and making a lasting impact on the world of physics.
The College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin
, strives to foster a work environment that enables all employees to contribute at the highest possible level to support the mission of the University. What starts here really does change the world. For more information about the College of Natural Sciences, please visit.
https://cns.utexas.edu
.

The University of Texas offers an impressive benefits package including:

• Employer paid health insurance (employee premiums covered at 100%; spouse and family premiums at 50%)
• Dental, vision, life and disability insurance options
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan

For more details, please see:
Prospective Employee Benefits
and
My Total Rewards
.
Job Description Summary
Seeking a Research Associate proficient in optical spectroscopy techniques applied to 2D materials, with expertise in quantum sensing and light-matter interactions. Responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments to explore the optical properties of 2D materials, analyzing data to elucidate quantum phenomena, and contributing to the development of next-generation sensing technologies. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in physics, and materials science, and a demonstrated track record of impactful research in these areas. Continuation of this position is dependent upon available funding.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research in quantum sensing, quantum information science, and related disciplines.
• Investigating light-matter interactions in 2D materials systems, exploring phenomena such as exciton-polaritons, plasmonics, and non-linear optics.
• Organize collaborations with industry partners or government agencies to translate research findings into practical applications and technologies.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, or other related discipline
• 1+ years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Strong background in optical spectroscopy and quantum optics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• Strong technical writing and oral presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience in experimental solid-state, atomic, molecular, and optical physics.
• Experience in quantum sensing technologies.
• Experience in quantum information science.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent and impactful research.
• Proficient use of modern computer systems, including Linux and Windows.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or other programming languages.

Salary Range
$80,000

Working Conditions

• Standard office conditions.
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.
• Use of manual dexterity.
• Working in an optical lab environment.
• Possible interstate/intrastate travel

Physical Tasks

• Some lifting and moving of equipment may be required.
• May work in standard office conditions.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• Statement of research interests
• 3 Reference letters

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume in the first step of the online job application process. Then, any additional Required Materials will be uploaded in the My Experience section; you can multi-select the additional files or click the Upload button for each file. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find Jobs. Before you apply though, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will need to click the Upload button multiple times in order to attach your Resume, References and any additional Required Materials noted above.
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Employment Eligibility:
Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.
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Retirement Plan Eligibility:
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
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Background Checks:
A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.
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Equal Opportunity Employer:
The University of Texas at Austin, as an
equal opportunity/affirmative action employer
, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
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Pay Transparency:
The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
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Employment Eligibility Verification:
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original
documents
to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:
Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in

Responsibilities

• Conduct scientific research in quantum sensing, quantum information science, and related disciplines.
• Investigating light-matter interactions in 2D materials systems, exploring phenomena such as exciton-polaritons, plasmonics, and non-linear optics.
• Organize collaborations with industry partners or government agencies to translate research findings into practical applications and technologies

Physical Tasks

• Some lifting and moving of equipment may be required.
• May work in standard office conditions

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF