Job description

The Center for Quantum and Topological Systems (CQTS) at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), UAE, invites applications for a Post-Doctoral Associate position in Experimental Quantum Science Instrumentation. The successful candidate will join the Quantum center and will focus primarily on the design, construction, and deployment of advanced instruments for quantum-optical and spin-based experiments. Applicants with a strong experimental background and a demonstrated interest in building new measurement platforms are especially encouraged to apply.

The selected candidate will work in a highly collaborative research environment within CQTS. The central responsibility of the position is instrument building: conceiving, prototyping, assembling, integrating, calibrating, automating, and troubleshooting custom experimental systems. These instruments may combine optical components, laser and spectroscopic methods, spin-control or magnetic-resonance techniques, electronics, data-acquisition hardware, and software control. The candidate will use these platforms to advance research in optics, spin physics, and related areas of quantum science, while collaborating with faculty, researchers, and students across CQTS and NYUAD. The successful applicant will also participate actively in undergraduate training through research supervision, laboratory instruction, and hands-on mentoring in experimental design and scientific instrument development.

Applicants should meet the following qualifications and possess relevant expertise:

• A PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, with a strong experimental research background.
• Demonstrated experience designing and building scientific instruments, including the integration of optical, electronic, mechanical, and computer-controlled subsystems.
• Hands-on expertise in one or more of the following areas: optical systems, lasers, spectroscopy, quantum optics, spin physics, magnetic resonance, precision measurement, electronics, data acquisition, automation, or experimental control software.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, a commitment to collaborative interdisciplinary research, and an interest in mentoring undergraduate students in laboratory research and instrument development.

The appointment will be for a period of two years.

The terms of employment include a very competitive salary and attractive additional benefits, including a generous housing allowance, medical insurance with access to world-class facilities, an annual home-leave allowance, and, if applicable, dependent private-school fees. Salaries are tax-free in the UAE (for U.S. tax purposes, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion may apply). The postdoctoral researcher will have dedicated funds for travel, computing, publications, and other research needs, and will have access to excellent world-class research facilities.

The preferred starting date is September 2026, although an earlier start may be possible depending on the selected candidate and the completion of the appointment process. Review of applications will begin soon after the position is posted and will continue until the position is filled.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, Transcript, publication list, a brief statement of research interests, and three letters of recommendation. In the cover letter and/or research statement, applicants are strongly encouraged to describe their experience in scientific instrument development and explain how they would contribute to interdisciplinary connections among the research areas represented within CQTS.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Prof. Asif Equbal at [Click to show email].

About NYU Abu Dhabi

https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/

NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching.

Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.

Working for NYUAD

At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home. In order for research staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYUAD is committed to research staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority.

Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.

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