Research Assistant - Optical Tweezers with Structured Light (Open)

In this project, you will contribute to the development and characterization of optical tweezers based on structured light, with a particular focus on vortex beams carrying orbital angular momentum. Optical tweezers enable the trapping and manipulation of microscopic particles using tightly focused laser beams, and tailoring the spatial and polarization structure of the beam opens pathways to control not only particle position but also rotation and internal modes of motion.

Your work will involve implementing optical trapping setups, generating and shaping vortex beams, and studying particle dynamics under controlled optical forces. Using a multipolar decomposition framework, you will investigate how interference between electric and magnetic multipoles affects trap stability and efficiency, particularly for high-refractive-index particles where conventional Gaussian tweezers often fail.

The project aims to exploit structured light to engineer new trapping geometries with tunable stiffness and torque, contributing to emerging optomechanical platforms and precision measurement techniques. You will interact closely with members of the laboratory and participate in experimental design, data acquisition, and analysis.

The ideal candidate has a background in optics, photonics, or experimental physics, with interest in optical manipulation, structured light, or related topics. Experience with laser alignment, beam shaping (SLMs, q-plates, or diffractive optics), or particle trapping is highly valued. Familiarity with orbital angular momentum beams or multipolar decomposition methods is a plus.

Additional desirable skills include competency in data acquisition, image analysis, and programming in Python or MATLAB. The candidate should demonstrate careful experimental practice, analytical thinking, and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic research environment. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential.

• Estimated annual gross salary: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and consistent with our pay scales
• Target start date: 2026/01/01

We provide a highly stimulating research environment, and unique professional career development opportunities.

We offer and promote a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Quantum Nanophotonics Laboratory is led by Ikerbasque Research Professor Gabriel Molina-Terriza. We are a team of scientists studying the interactions of quantum light and matter at the nanoscale. We explore single photon states, entangled photons, and squeezed states of light interacting with nanostructures.

Interested candidates should submit an updated CV and a brief statement of interest to the following application email below. 

Reference letters are welcome but not indispensable.

The reference of the specific opening to which the candidate is applying should be stated in the subject line, and the application must be received before the application deadline.

Although candidates are welcome to contact the project supervisors to know further details about the proposed research activity, please be aware that the application will be evaluated only if it is submitted directly to the email address listed below as application email.

• Reference: 2025/78
• Application deadline: 2025/12/25
• Application email: jobs.research@dipc.org

Applications received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Committee designed by the DIPC board on the basis of the following criteria:

• CV of the candidate (60%)
• Adequacy of the candidate’s scientific background to the project (20%)
• Reference letters (10%)
• Other: Diversity in gender, race, nationality, etc. (10%)

Evaluation results will be communicated to the candidates soon after. Positions will only be filled if qualified candidates are found.

The DIPC may revoke its decision if the candidate fails to join by the appointed time, in which case the position will be awarded to the candidate with the next highest score, provided it is above 50 (out of 100).

However, the selected candidate may keep the position if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, the candidate duly justifies the reasons why he or she cannot join before the specified deadline, and as long as the project allows it.

Financiado por la Unión Europea – NextGenerationEU, a través del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia (PRTR), Componente 16 (C16), actuación ‘Hub de Comunicaciones Cuánticas’