Laser/Optical Physicist

Available Title(s):

327-NN_FACULTY - Staff Scientist

Business Title:

Laser/Optical Physicist

Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

The successful candidate should enjoy hands-on work and problem solving in a fast-paced, research environment and will work with a team of physicists responsible for the operation and maintenance of the DCS 100J laser System to ensure optimal performance, develop new capabilities, and conduct state-of-the-art scientific experiments on behalf of users. Additionally, many of the experiments performed at the DCS utilize a wide variety of lasers that are integral to characterizing/understanding the shock compressed state of materials and wide array of optical detection and analysis approaches are utilized. While the primary responsibility of this position will be for the 100J laser, the successful candidate will also be expected to operate and maintain additional optical systems, as needed for a broad range of user experiments.

• Participate in the operation of the 100-Joule laser for laser-shock research activities, contribute to the design and conduct of laser-shock experiments, and work with scientific users. This also includes quantifying and archiving the laser performance for each shot.

• Working with other laser experts, document and maintain safe operating procedures related to the laser and its control areas at the DCS.

• Participate in the design, development, and use of optical equipment and systems, for laser-interferometry measurements and other laser-based diagnostics.

• Work with the DCS users to prepare for experiments in advance. This includes providing guidelines for experimental design, as well as personnel safety and equipment operating procedures.

• Contribute effectively to all aspects of the various research projects including assistance to DCS users; optimal and safe operations of the experimental facilities; ensure availability of experimental components, equipment and supplies; enhancement of experimental capabilities; and working effectively in a team setting to advance the DCS research mission.

• Independently define and complete experimental projects and tasks; conduct and analyze research experiments and prepare reports and publications as appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in Physics or a related field with a strong background in lasers and optics.

• Demonstrated strong hands-on ability with the design and optimization of nonlinear optical systems and associated diagnostic equipment.

• Strong interest in being involved in all aspects of DCS user experiments.

• Good familiarity with hardware and software required to support user experiments on a large-scale laser.

• Good computer skills, including experience with programs for instrument control and analysis, such as LabView and Matlab. Experience with optical design software is useful but not required (e.g. Zemax).

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment, as needed.

• Personal attributes should include critical thinking, good judgment, clear sense of purpose, attention to detail, and accountability.

• Must be able to obtain a badge at U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories to gain access to restricted areas.

Additional Information:

Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences
Department Name: Institute for Shock Physics / Dynamic Compression Sector
City, State, Zip: Lemont, IL 60439
Department Link: dcs-aps.wsu.edu
Annual Salary: $85,000 – $130,000 In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.  WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Faculty and Total Compensation .

Overtime Eligibility: Not eligible for overtime
FTE: 100%

This is a non-tenure track, temporary position with an annual appointment. Subsequent renewals are based on the need for extension and the availability of additional funding. Multiyear research funding is anticipated.
Posting Close Date: This recruitment has been extended to close on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 11:59 P.M. Screening has begun and will remain ongoing until the vacancy has been filled.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need.  A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Required Documents:

• Letter of application addressing the required qualifications for this position and date of availability

• Detailed curriculum vitae

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected] .