Research Associate or Research Scientist/Engineer

Montana State University - Bozeman, MT

Full-time - Entry Level

Bozeman, MT

Educational Services

About the position

Spectrum Lab at Montana State University is actively seeking candidates for the positions of Research Associate and Research Scientist/Engineer. These roles are integral to the ongoing grant and contract research activities in various applied research areas, including experimental Quantum Optics, Quantum Communications, Quantum Networks, Fiber Optics, and Non-linear Optics. The successful candidates will be expected to contribute immediately to current projects and collaborate with other Spectrum Lab personnel, MSU Faculty, and local industry partners. The positions require individuals who can work both autonomously and as part of a team, adapting to project requirements as necessary. The Spectrum Lab is an interdisciplinary research center established in 1999, dedicated to innovation in applied optics and photonics. It aims to develop and commercialize Montana-grown opto-electronic technologies, transfer and develop technologies to local companies, and enhance educational and research opportunities for students. The lab is strategically located near the MSU-Bozeman campus, facilitating collaboration with faculty and local industry. With an average annual expenditure of approximately $1 million on research grants and contracts, the lab focuses on areas such as remote sensing, coherent imaging, and optical signal processing. Candidates will be responsible for conducting, reporting, and publishing scientific and engineering research projects in applied optics, photonics, and quantum technologies. This includes independent research, teamwork, and potentially leading research teams. They will supervise undergraduate and graduate student researchers, assign tasks, provide technical assistance, and ensure project goals are met. Depending on their title and qualifications, candidates will also collaborate with research teams to develop new areas of research and contribute to funding proposals. The role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to execute specialized tasks with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Conduct, report, and publish scientific/engineering research projects in applied optics, photonics, and quantum technologies.
• Supervise teams of undergraduate and graduate student researchers on research projects, including assigning tasks and providing technical assistance.
• Collaborate with research teams to develop new areas of applied optics, quantum optics, and photonics research.
• Actively contribute to obtaining funding through successful research proposals as a key contributor.
• Interact productively with research teams, MSU faculty, and local companies to develop and commercialize new technologies.
• Execute specialized and advanced assignments with minimum supervision.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 2 or more years of research/laboratory experience in applied optics or quantum technology, or a Master's degree with relevant research experience.
• Successful record of research or professional experience in Experimental Quantum Optics, Quantum Communications, Quantum Networks, Non-linear Optics, or Fiber Optics for Research Associate.
• Master's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 2 or more years of experience in experimental or applied optics, or a Ph.D. with original work in the field for Research Scientist/Engineer.
• Demonstrated leadership in acquiring and conducting externally funded research programs in optics.

Nice-to-haves

• Record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals, patents, or presentations at technical conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the development of innovative and externally funded research programs.
• Experience in technical writing and project management.
• Proficiency in technical and experimental computer software such as MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, LabView.
• Hands-on experimental research experience, including skills in electronics and optics.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
• Eligible for benefits as a full-time employee.