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Chapman University

Research Assistant, Temporary Part-Time

🇺🇸 Orange, CA

🕑 Temporary

💰 $20 - $28 per Hour

💻 Research

🗓️ August 25th, 2025

Python

Edtech.com's Summary

Chapman University is hiring a Research Assistant, Temporary Part-Time. The position involves establishing a new laboratory, assisting with optical setup and alignment, supporting equipment procurement, and conducting experiments involving entangled photons, Timepix cameras, and single-photon detectors within the Structural Quantum Optics group.

Highlights

  • Set up, align, and maintain optical experiments including mounting optics on tables.
  • Support procurement by sourcing and ordering optical components and detectors.
  • Conduct experiments using spontaneous parametric down-conversion sources of entangled photons.
  • Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot single-photon detection systems such as Timepix cameras and APDs.
  • Collect and analyze experimental data; prepare reports and contribute to publications.
  • Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students on experimental design.
  • Require Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics, Electrical or Optical Engineering, or related field.
  • Hands-on experience with optical systems alignment and photon detection systems.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or LabVIEW for data acquisition and analysis.
  • Compensation ranges from $20.00 to $28.00 per hour.

Research Assistant, Temporary Part-Time Full Description

Chapman University


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Research Assistant, Temporary Part-Time
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Posting Details
 Position Information 
Position Title  | Research Assistant, Temporary Part-Time
Position Type  | Temporary
Job Number  | SA64524
Full or Part Time  | part-time 20-29 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification  | Non-Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range  | $20.00 - $28.00
Pay Range Information  | Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
 Position Summary Information 
Job Description Summary  | We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join the Structural Quantum Optics (SQO) group at Chapman University. The successful candidate will play a central role in establishing a new laboratory, assisting in optical setup and alignment, supporting equipment procurement, and conducting cutting-edge experiments involving entangled photons, Timepix cameras, and single-photon detectors. This position offers hands-on experience with advanced optical instrumentation and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research in a collaborative academic environment.
Responsibilities  | Key Responsibilities: Assist in the setup, alignment, and maintenance of optical experiments, including arranging and mounting optics on optical tables. Support the procurement process by identifying, sourcing, and ordering optical components, detectors, and related equipment. Conduct experiments involving spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) sources of entangled photons. Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot advanced single-photon detection systems, including Timepix cameras and APDs. Maintain laboratory organization, ensuring safe and efficient use of equipment and resources. Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data; prepare reports, presentations, and contribute to publications. Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students on experimental design and problem-solving.
Required Qualifications  | Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field. Hands-on experience with optical systems, including alignment of lasers, nonlinear crystals, mirrors, lenses, and beam-splitters. Familiarity with photon detection systems, quantum optics experiments, and imaging systems. Proficiency in scientific data acquisition and analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW). Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.
Desired Qualifications  | Prior experience with SPDC-based entangled photon sources. Knowledge of Timepix cameras, SPAD detectors, or other single-photon detection technologies. Experience in vacuum systems, optomechanics, or ultrafast laser systems. Background in experimental quantum information science.
Special Instructions to Applicants  | Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References  |
Maximum Number of References  | 
Pre-screening Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. 3 References Listed on One Page
Optional Documents

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Contact Us
Office of Human Resources
One University Drive
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TalentServices@chapman.edu
 

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.








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