STEM OPT Physics Jobs
Physics graduates on STEM OPT get up to 36 months of work authorization, 12 initial plus a 24-month STEM extension, to work in roles like research scientist, data physicist, or quantitative analyst. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your Physics degree must match a qualifying STEM CIP code.
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Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is entering an exciting new chapter with one of the newest and most advanced synchrotron facilities in the world. National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) enables the study of material properties and functions with nanoscale resolution and exquisite sensitivity by providing world-leading capabilities for X-ray imaging and high-resolution energy analysis. This facility is open to users from academia and industry, and its operations are at a time when the world enters a new era with a global economy fueled largely by scientific discoveries and technological innovations. NSLS-II provides the research tools needed to foster new discoveries and create breakthroughs in critical areas such as energy security, environment, and human health.
Position Description
The Optics Group at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) is seeking a Research Associate specializing in optical metrology for X-ray mirrors. The selected candidate will advance precision measurement and characterization of ultra-precision X-ray optics using the Optical Coordinate Measuring Machine (OCMM) platform. Working within the P3N (Pioneering Nanometrology and Nanofabrication for Next-Generation X-ray Mirrors) program, you will establish measurement workflows, validate metrology techniques, and contribute directly to enabling next-generation synchrotron capabilities.
The OCMM is a key measurement platform for deterministic fabrication of high-curvature and freeform X-ray mirrors. You will develop and validate a documented, repeatable OCMM workflow capable of single-nanometer-level surface-height measurements. Your work will integrate baseline hardware characterization, reconstruction algorithm conditioning, software workflow development, and mirror validation against established BNL reference metrology methods. You will diagnose error sources, optimize measurement geometry, preserve data traceability, and produce analysis outputs suitable for fabrication feedback and comparison with reference techniques such as the Nano-accuracy Surface Profiler (NSP), Fizeau Stitching Interferometry (FSI), and Coherent Scanning Interferometry (CSI).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Establish and document the OCMM baseline, including hardware configuration, sensor and stage behavior, calibration records, and reproducible operating procedures.
- Perform controlled experiments to characterize and separate sensor noise, mounting compliance, mechanical drift, thermal effects, and reconstruction-induced errors.
- Diagnose sensor range limitations and data dropouts, then develop protocols to flag invalid or marginal measurements and evaluate their impact on reconstructed profiles.
- Improve the robustness of the OCMM surface-reconstruction method using singular value decomposition to identify and characterize poorly constrained measurement modes.
- Screen and optimize candidate measurement geometries through analytical analysis and experimental validation.
- Develop and integrate validated scan and reconstruction strategies into acquisition and analysis software.
- Implement quality checks and automated diagnostics to detect anomalous inputs, missing samples, range violations, inconsistent geometries, and configuration mismatches.
- Validate the controlled OCMM workflow using progressively more demanding X-ray mirror reference surfaces.
- Compare OCMM measurements with high-quality reference data from NSP, FSI, CSI, and other BNL metrology methods, document registration, filtering, aperture, and quantitative agreement or discrepancies.
- Provide root-cause analysis when hardware limits prevent reliable measurement of demanding mirrors and identify mitigation strategies or system upgrades.
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Present research work and results to management and scientific conferences.
- Demonstrated commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ph.D. degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of optical metrology and precision measurement techniques.
- Demonstrated experience with optical instruments and characterization methods (e.g., interferometry, microscopy, phase measurement).
- Proven skill in sensor integration, data acquisition, and control systems.
- Demonstrated expertise in algorithm development for metrology and data analysis.
- Strong capability in experimental design, analytical methods, and numerical modeling.
- Excellent programming skills for data acquisition, signal processing, and analysis.
- Self-motivated, creative, and able to work independently on complex technical problems.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Hands-on experience with optical surface profiling instruments or precision metrology systems.
- Fluency in Python, MATLAB, or Julia for scientific computing and data visualization.
- Experience with C++ for hardware and software integration.
- Knowledge of reconstruction algorithms, fringe analysis, or phase measurement techniques.
- Familiarity with machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in metrology or instrumentation.
- Experience with numerical methods, matrix analysis, or singular value decomposition.
- Background in synchrotron science, X-ray optics, or related high-energy physics instrumentation.
- Exposure to version control systems and collaborative software development practices.
Other Information:
- Occasional travel requirements
At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave)
- 401(k) Plan
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
- Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation: Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Ping Pong, Softball, Tennis)
Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.
Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $74050 - $122550 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory – view more information at www.bnl.gov/real-id. This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act. Those not in possession of a REAL ID-compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews.
As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg. 2, Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM), and DOE Order 473.1A- Physical Protection Program.
About us
Brookhaven National Laboratory delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. VEVRAA Federal Contractor
BSA employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file
INTRODUCTION
Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is entering an exciting new chapter with one of the newest and most advanced synchrotron facilities in the world. National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) enables the study of material properties and functions with nanoscale resolution and exquisite sensitivity by providing world-leading capabilities for X-ray imaging and high-resolution energy analysis. This facility is open to users from academia and industry, and its operations are at a time when the world enters a new era with a global economy fueled largely by scientific discoveries and technological innovations. NSLS-II provides the research tools needed to foster new discoveries and create breakthroughs in critical areas such as energy security, environment, and human health.
Position Description
The Optics Group at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) is seeking a Research Associate specializing in optical metrology for X-ray mirrors. The selected candidate will advance precision measurement and characterization of ultra-precision X-ray optics using the Optical Coordinate Measuring Machine (OCMM) platform. Working within the P3N (Pioneering Nanometrology and Nanofabrication for Next-Generation X-ray Mirrors) program, you will establish measurement workflows, validate metrology techniques, and contribute directly to enabling next-generation synchrotron capabilities.
The OCMM is a key measurement platform for deterministic fabrication of high-curvature and freeform X-ray mirrors. You will develop and validate a documented, repeatable OCMM workflow capable of single-nanometer-level surface-height measurements. Your work will integrate baseline hardware characterization, reconstruction algorithm conditioning, software workflow development, and mirror validation against established BNL reference metrology methods. You will diagnose error sources, optimize measurement geometry, preserve data traceability, and produce analysis outputs suitable for fabrication feedback and comparison with reference techniques such as the Nano-accuracy Surface Profiler (NSP), Fizeau Stitching Interferometry (FSI), and Coherent Scanning Interferometry (CSI).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Establish and document the OCMM baseline, including hardware configuration, sensor and stage behavior, calibration records, and reproducible operating procedures.
- Perform controlled experiments to characterize and separate sensor noise, mounting compliance, mechanical drift, thermal effects, and reconstruction-induced errors.
- Diagnose sensor range limitations and data dropouts, then develop protocols to flag invalid or marginal measurements and evaluate their impact on reconstructed profiles.
- Improve the robustness of the OCMM surface-reconstruction method using singular value decomposition to identify and characterize poorly constrained measurement modes.
- Screen and optimize candidate measurement geometries through analytical analysis and experimental validation.
- Develop and integrate validated scan and reconstruction strategies into acquisition and analysis software.
- Implement quality checks and automated diagnostics to detect anomalous inputs, missing samples, range violations, inconsistent geometries, and configuration mismatches.
- Validate the controlled OCMM workflow using progressively more demanding X-ray mirror reference surfaces.
- Compare OCMM measurements with high-quality reference data from NSP, FSI, CSI, and other BNL metrology methods, document registration, filtering, aperture, and quantitative agreement or discrepancies.
- Provide root-cause analysis when hardware limits prevent reliable measurement of demanding mirrors and identify mitigation strategies or system upgrades.
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journal articles.
- Present research work and results to management and scientific conferences.
- Demonstrated commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ph.D. degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
- Strong knowledge of optical metrology and precision measurement techniques.
- Demonstrated experience with optical instruments and characterization methods (e.g., interferometry, microscopy, phase measurement).
- Proven skill in sensor integration, data acquisition, and control systems.
- Demonstrated expertise in algorithm development for metrology and data analysis.
- Strong capability in experimental design, analytical methods, and numerical modeling.
- Excellent programming skills for data acquisition, signal processing, and analysis.
- Self-motivated, creative, and able to work independently on complex technical problems.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Hands-on experience with optical surface profiling instruments or precision metrology systems.
- Fluency in Python, MATLAB, or Julia for scientific computing and data visualization.
- Experience with C++ for hardware and software integration.
- Knowledge of reconstruction algorithms, fringe analysis, or phase measurement techniques.
- Familiarity with machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in metrology or instrumentation.
- Experience with numerical methods, matrix analysis, or singular value decomposition.
- Background in synchrotron science, X-ray optics, or related high-energy physics instrumentation.
- Exposure to version control systems and collaborative software development practices.
Other Information:
- Occasional travel requirements
At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave)
- 401(k) Plan
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
- Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation: Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Ping Pong, Softball, Tennis)
Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.
Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $74050 - $122550 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory – view more information at www.bnl.gov/real-id. This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act. Those not in possession of a REAL ID-compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews.
As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg. 2, Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM), and DOE Order 473.1A- Physical Protection Program.
About us
Brookhaven National Laboratory delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. VEVRAA Federal Contractor
BSA employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file
See all STEM OPT Physics Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Physics
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Physics degrees typically fall under CIP code 40.08, but concentrations like applied physics or astrophysics may carry different codes. Pull your transcript and verify your program's exact CIP code with your DSO before you start applications.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
An employer who isn't enrolled in E-Verify cannot legally employ you on STEM OPT extension. Use the E-Verify employer search to confirm enrollment before investing time in interviews or offer negotiations.
Target national labs and research institutions early
National laboratories like Argonne, Fermilab, and Oak Ridge regularly hire Physics STEM OPT students and have established I-983 training plan processes. Starting outreach six months before your initial OPT expires gives procurement cycles time to move.
Build your I-983 training plan around measurable outcomes
USCIS requires the I-983 to show how the training relates directly to your Physics degree. Frame each goal around specific technical skills, Monte Carlo simulations, spectroscopy, or detector calibration, not generic job duties. Vague plans draw RFEs.
Use Migrate Mate to find Physics roles at E-Verify employers
Search Migrate Mate to surface Physics positions at employers already verified for E-Verify enrollment, so you're not discovering compliance gaps after an offer. Filter by STEM OPT eligibility to focus your applications where authorization is already supported.
Understand cap-gap protection if H-1B is filed
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your STEM OPT expires and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Confirm the petition's timely filing receipt with your employer's HR team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Physics degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension?
Physics degrees generally qualify, but eligibility depends on the specific CIP code your program was classified under at your institution. Common qualifying codes include 40.08 (Physics, General) and related concentrations. Your DSO verifies eligibility and issues the updated I-20. Confirm your program's CIP code with your school's international student office before assuming you qualify.
What E-Verify requirement applies to STEM OPT employers in Physics?
Any employer who wants to hire you on a STEM OPT extension must be actively enrolled in E-Verify for the hiring location. This isn't optional. If a physics lab, tech company, or national laboratory isn't enrolled, they cannot extend your work authorization regardless of how well you fit the role. Use the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment before accepting any offer.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for a Physics STEM OPT role?
The I-983 must document how your job duties directly relate to your Physics degree. For physics roles, this means detailing specific technical training areas, computational modeling, experimental design, data analysis, or instrumentation, and tying each to your academic background. Both you and your employer sign it, and your DSO must approve it. Generic job descriptions without academic connection risk rejection by USCIS.
How do I find Physics jobs where employers are already set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lets you search Physics roles filtered by employers enrolled in E-Verify, so you can focus your applications on opportunities where your STEM OPT authorization is already supported. This saves time you'd otherwise spend vetting compliance status during the offer stage, when switching employers becomes costly and time-sensitive.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my Physics employer files an H-1B petition for me?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition before your STEM OPT end date and it's selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. Your EAD doesn't need to be renewed during cap-gap. If the H-1B isn't selected, your STEM OPT authorization ends on its original expiration date, so have a contingency plan ready.