Postdoc positions — Advanced Photonics Lab (Lecce, Italy) CNR NANOTEC in Italy

The Advanced Photonics Lab at CNR NANOTEC in Lecce, Italy, is offering postdoc positions in experimental photonics, with a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory research. The work sits at the intersection of optics, quantum mechanics, and photonic device characterization, and focuses on modern optical platforms, nonlinear and collective optical effects, and micro-/nano-structured and integrated photonic systems.

The successful candidate will contribute to experimental setup development and operation, including laser-based free-space and fiber-based experiments, optical microscopy and spectroscopy, interferometry, and time-resolved measurements. The role also involves systematic measurements and characterization of photonic devices and optical signals, instrumentation integration, automation and control workflows, and rigorous data analysis with reproducible processing pipelines. Dissemination activities such as writing papers, preparing figures and reports, and presenting results at meetings and conferences are also part of the position.

The lab describes itself as international and collaborative, with opportunities for scientific training, mentorship, conferences, and research collaborations. The exact project topic will be selected within the broader research portfolio and can be adapted to the candidate’s background and interests, while keeping a strong experimental focus.

Applicants should have an MSc or PhD (or equivalent) completed by the start date and a strong background in Physics, Photonics, Quantum Optics, Condensed Matter, Nanoscience, or Electrical/Optical Engineering. Essential skills include solid fundamentals in optics/photonics, experience or strong interest in experimental laboratory work, programming for data acquisition and analysis such as Python, and good English communication skills. Helpful experience includes lasers, spectroscopy, interferometry, cryogenics, vacuum systems, micro-/nano-photonic characterization, nonlinear optics, integrated photonics, semiconductor photonic devices, and laboratory automation.

The position is based in Lecce, Puglia, Italy, at CNR Nanotec. The contract is full-time and temporary, with a duration of 1–3 years and a flexible start date. The stated deadline is 31 December 2026 at 12:00 (Europe/Rome), though the posting also notes that applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Applications should be sent by email to Dr. Dimitrios Trypogeorgos at [email protected], including a CV, a one-page motivation letter, and the names and contact details of 1–2 referees. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview and may be asked to give a brief presentation of previous work.