Postdoctoral Research Positions in Nanophotonics and Vibrational Strong Coupling

University of California, Irvine – Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Principal Investigator: Matthew Sheldon

The Sheldon Lab at UC Irvine is seeking postdoctoral researchers to investigate nanophotonic and plasmonic platforms for vibrational strong coupling (VSC). This research will explore how molecular vibrations interact with optical cavities, forming vibro-polaritons that influence chemical behavior and energy transport. The research integrates plasmonic nanostructures, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and vibrational mode-selective energy transfer to study light-matter interactions at the intersection of physical chemistry, nanophotonics, and condensed matter physics.

Applicants are encouraged to review recent publications from the lab for technical context:

• submitted - https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.12390
• Nature Chemistry, 2025 – https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-024-01723-6
• Nanophotonics, 2024 – https://doi.org/10.1515/nanoph-2024-0058
• Nature Photonics, 2022 – https://doi.org/10.1038/s41566-022-01005-y
• Journal of Chemical Physics, 2021 – https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0039195

Research Focus Areas:

• Vibrational Strong Coupling (VSC): Exploring light-matter interactions that modify chemical eigenstates.
• Plasmonic and Nanophotonic Architectures: Designing tailored resonant nanostructures for infrared light-matter interactions at sub-wavelength scales.
• Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy: Developing experimental techniques to probe polaritonic states and molecular behavior in strongly coupled systems.
• Thermal Emissivity and Mode-Selective Energy Transport: Investigating new approaches for infrared absorption, emission, and energy dissipation control.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, electrical engineering, or related fields.
• Strong background in experimental optics, spectroscopy, nanophotonics, or plasmonics.
• Experience with IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and other advanced optical techniques.
• Proficiency in numerical modeling and data analysis (MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, FDTD, etc.).
• Nanofabrication experience (e-beam lithography, thin-film deposition, metasurfaces) is a plus.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills, with a record of peer-reviewed publications.

Appointment Details:

• Duration: One-year position, renewable based on performance and funding.
• Start Date: ASAP, Preferred Summer 2025.
• Salary & Benefits: Competitive, per UC Irvine postdoctoral policies, https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF08957

To apply, submit:

• CV with a list of publications
• Cover letter detailing research interests and fit for the position
• Contact information for three references

Laboratory and Research Environment:

The Sheldon Lab provides state-of-the-art spectroscopy and nanofabrication facilities in an interdisciplinary research environment. Postdocs will have access to advanced IR/Raman microscopy, high-resolution lithography tools, and computational resources for modeling light-matter interactions, in addition to other resources at a leading research university. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For inquiries, contact Matthew Sheldon: m.sheldon@uci.edu