Post Doctoral Fellow, Reconfigurable Metasurfaces & Metamaterials

Competition 2157

This competition will be used to fill two positions.

This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of two years.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person with onsite work at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Faculty of Engineering - Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Alberta is a leader in research and innovation. In our nearly 100 years of history, ECE researchers have contributed many important technologies to the world. From the development of sonar during the First World War to industry-leading breakthroughs in lab-on-a-chip technologies, the developments that have come from the minds of ECE researchers are countless.

In recent years, ECE has become a world leader in nanotechnology research and has a strong partnership with one of the most advanced nanotechnology research centres in North America, the National Institute for Nanotechnology. These developments in miniaturization influence much of our research as it continues to grow and help shape the future.

ECE encompasses twelve primary research areas, but the interdisciplinary nature of engineering means that many of our faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students engage in collaborative efforts across multiple areas and with colleagues from different departments and faculties. This approach results in a broad, interdisciplinary perspective that drives our original, groundbreaking research.

Position Summary

We are inviting applications for two Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions in the area of Reconfigurable Metasurfaces and Metamaterials. This position is part of a cutting-edge research initiative at the Nanoscale Optics Lab at the University of Alberta, focused on developing next-generation nanophotonic platforms with potential impact on quantum information technologies.

Key Details:

• Position: 2 x Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions
• Location: Nanoscale Optics Lab, University of Alberta, Edmonton
• Start Date: June-Aug 2025 (Flexible, depending on visa process)
• Duration: 2 years, with potential for extension
• Supervisor: Behrad Gholipour

Project Overview:

The successful candidate will work on the design/simulation, fabrication, and experimental characterization of reconfigurable metasurfaces and metamaterials aimed at controlling light-matter interactions down to the quantum level. Applications include quantum emitters, quantum sensing, and integrated quantum and neuromorphic photonic circuits on waveguide and optical fiber platforms.

The position offers access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication infrastructure at the Edmonton nanofab and complex materials growth at the Alberta Metal-Chalcogenide Manufacturing Facility (AM2F). The position will also have access to a myriad of classical and quantum optics characterization capabilities alongside the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in photonics, quantum technologies, and materials science across Canada, the US and beyond.

Required Qualifications:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience with nanophotonics, metasurfaces/metamaterials, and/or quantum optics.
• Skills in electromagnetic simulation, nanofabrication, or optical characterization techniques.
• A strong publication record and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Optional:  Experience with chalcogenide semiconductors and nano-opto-mechanical systems. 

How to Apply:

To apply, please submit the following in a single PDF document:

• Cover Letter (Please address relevant expertise, training and career goals.)
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of Publications
• References (Please provide names and contact information of 2 references. We are not requesting reference letters with the initial application.)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For more information, please contact Dr. Behrad Gholipour (bgholipo@ualberta.ca).

We look forward to hearing from outstanding candidates passionate about advancing the frontier of nanoscale optics.