Postdoctoral Research Associate (Hokmabadi)

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Hokmabadi) Lead experimental and fabrication efforts on next‑generation optoelectronic devices in the Hokmabadi Research Lab at UNC Charlotte, focusing on optical/terahertz metamaterials, non‑Hermitian and supersymmetric optics, photonic integrated circuits, and semiconductor lasers. Responsibilities Perform full‑cycle micro‑ and nano‑fabrication in a class 100/1000 cleanroom, including advanced lithography (standard photolithography and e‑beam/nano‑lithography), thin‑film deposition (E‑beam evaporation and sputtering), and dry/wet etching (RIE, ICP‑RIE, wet chemical etching) to produce metamaterial structures and semiconductor laser arrays. Develop and optimize recipe parameters for anisotropic dry etching and targeted wet chemical etching workflows. Design, build, and align custom free‑space optical bench setups for characterization of metamaterials and semiconductor lasers, performing tasks such as spectrum mapping, L‑I‑V curves, near/far‑field beam profiling, and optical isolation tracking. Maintain and automate laboratory instrumentation, including spectrometers, detectors, tunable laser sources, and RF equipment. Conduct numerical modeling and device design using simulation software (COMSOL Multiphysics, Ansys Lumerical FDTD), analyze experimental data, iterate device architectures, and prepare manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals and conference presentations. Assist in mentoring Ph.D., Master’s, and undergraduate students in cleanroom protocols and bench safety. Qualifications Ph.D. (or equivalent doctorate) awarded within the last eight years in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. Extensive hands‑on experience in a class 100/1000 micro/nano‑fabrication cleanroom. Proficient in lithography, E‑beam evaporation, sputtering, dry and wet etching techniques. Strong background in designing, constructing, and aligning free‑space optical benches. Robust experience with numerical modeling and design of optical or electromagnetic wave structures. Preferred Qualifications Direct experience handling and testing active semiconductor laser devices (e.g., microring lasers, VCSELs, laser arrays); candidates with strong optical testing skills in passive systems may also be considered. Experience with instrumentation automation and data acquisition tools such as Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW. #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of North Carolina