Postdoc positions — Advanced Photonics Lab

Organisation/Company CNR NANOTEC Department Istituto di Nanotecnologia Research Field Physics » Optics Physics » Quantum mechanics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Dec 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description
Host : Advanced Photonics Lab, Lecce (Italy)

About the Advanced Photonics Lab
The Advanced Photonics Lab in Lecce carries out research in experimental photonics, exploring how modern optical platforms can be engineered and measured to reveal rich physical behaviour. The lab develops and operates advanced optical experiments and investigates nonlinear and collective optical effects in micro-/nano-structured and integrated photonic systems. Our work combines careful experimental design with quantitative data analysis, and it is embedded in an international research environment with opportunities for collaboration, conferences, and scientific training.

What you will do
The successful candidate will contribute primarily to hands-on experimental research, typically including:

Optical setup development and operation: building, aligning, and stabilizing laser-based experiments (free-space and/or fiber-based), optical microscopy/spectroscopy, interferometry, and time-resolved measurements (depending on the project direction).

Measurements and characterization: performing systematic data acquisition, calibration, and characterization of photonic devices and optical signals (e.g., spectra, coherence, correlations, dynamics).

Instrumentation & automation: integrating detectors, cameras, spectrometers, and electronics; developing control and acquisition routines (e.g., Python-based workflows).

Data analysis: extracting robust observables from experimental datasets; statistical analysis, uncertainty estimation, fitting, and reproducible processing pipelines.

Research dissemination: writing papers, preparing figures and reports, and presenting results at group meetings and international conferences.

Important : The precise topic will be selected within the lab's broader research portfolio and can be adapted to the candidate's background and interests, while maintaining a strong experimental focus.

What we offer

PhD/postdoctoral training in a dynamic, international research environment

Strong mentorship and structured skill development (experimental techniques, analysis, scientific writing)

Access to advanced photonics instrumentation and modern measurement capabilities

Opportunities for conference participation and research collaborations (subject to the funding framework)

We welcome applications from motivated candidates with a strong background in Physics, Photonics, Quantum Optics, Condensed Matter, Nanoscience, or Electrical/Optical Engineering.

Required

MSc/PhD degree (or equivalent) completed by the start date

Solid fundamentals in optics/photonics and general experimental methods

Demonstrated interest in hands-on laboratory work (alignment, measurements, troubleshooting)

Programming skills for data acquisition/analysis (e.g., Python or similar)

Ability to work independently and collaboratively; strong English communication skills

Specific Requirements

Nice to have

Prior lab experience with lasers, spectroscopy, interferometry, cryogenics, vacuum, or micro-/nano-photonic characterization

Familiarity with nonlinear optics, integrated photonics, or semiconductor photonic devices

Experience with scientific instrumentation, automation, and reproducible data workflows

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Physics » Optics

Additional Information
Selection process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview; a brief presentation of previous work may be requested (10-20 minutes)

Additional comments

Equal opportunity
CNR is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

The Advanced Photonics Lab warmly encourages applications from women and other candidates