Post-Doctoral Fellow, Physics

The Department of Physics welcomes application for a Post-Doctoral Fellow. We engage in new experimental and theoretical exploration of topics related to active metaoptics and nanophotonics, accounting for phenomena as diverse as time-modulated generalized reflection and refraction, optical beam shaping and polarimetry. The successful candidate will work on research projects involving liquid crystal technology with flat optical devices called metasurfaces. The successful candidate would have to design and realize active metasurfaces and related components to be implemented in existing optical imaging systems, LiDAR and camera objectives.

• Nanofabrication (ebeam and UV lithography, deposition, RIE,…)
• Establish liquid crystal laboratory
• Theoretical analysis, modelling and design of nanophotonic devices and in particular on active Metasufaces.
• Hands-on experience or understanding of optical characterization.
• She/He should be able to design photonic and electronic characterization benches and experiments for evaluating device performance.
• Perform optical and electrical testing.

• PhD in photonics, liquid crystal, nanofabrication, electrical engineering, physics, optical engineering, or related discipline
• Liquid crystal research knowledge
• Nanophotonic simulations and nanofabrication research knowledge

Education and Experience:

• PhD in Physics
• Strong background on Liquid Crystal technology
• Hands-on nano fabrication and processing of nanophotonic devices, including semiconductor materials for photonic devices, i.e., GaAs, InP, InGaAs, InGaAsP, GaN, AlGaN, Si, dielectrics and metals)
• Design of nanophotonic systems: experience with multi-physics simulation (such as Lumerical, Comsol or CST)
• Optical experiments: experience with free space, fiber optic and photonic equipment (laser sources and detectors, optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes). Semiconductor processing: tools such as ICP Etchers, PECVD systems, photolithography systems, electroplating baths, and semiconductor characterization tools, such as SEMs, ellipsometers, optical microscopes, profilometers, and semiconductor parameter analyzers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dark-Field Imaging (DFI), Ellipsometry, near field scattering (NFS), Polarizing optical microscope (POM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Colloidal lithography, Electron-beam lithography, Reactive Ion etching (RIE), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

The Colorado School of Mines is a small, elite, R1 research university and is consistently ranked among the top engineering and technical colleges in the United States. The Department of Physics is located in the new CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering and offers an active, vibrant environment for all students and researchers with state-of-the-art laboratory space and infrastructure. Our unique combination of Nuclear Engineering and Quantum Engineering programs located on campus allows for cross-cutting research in subatomic physics with quantum sensors. Our Department and Research Groups have access to all shared facilities within these interdisciplinary programs, including large centers with state-of-the-art facilities required to perform materials characterization work of our sensors.

Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver nestled in the foothills of the front range. The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with exceptional access to outdoor lifestyle and an integrated University campus. Golden offers access to the Rocky Mountain lifestyle, including world-class skiing, as well as all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues, and convenient access to one of the largest airports in the world. An arid climate and an average 300 days of sunshine per year make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience.

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veterans status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

$55,000

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.