Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Research Associate - Laser Development & Laser Spectroscopy

Primary Responsibilities

• Support research and development involving laser systems, laser spectroscopy, and optical instrumentation.
• Operate, align, optimize, and troubleshoot dye lasers, OPOs, and related laboratory instruments.
• Conduct hands-on experiments involving laser-based measurement systems and spectroscopy techniques.
• Assist with the design, setup, testing, and improvement of optical and laboratory systems.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and document experimental data.
• Troubleshoot complex experimental problems involving lasers, optics, electronics, vacuum systems, and instrumentation.
• Work collaboratively with scientists, engineers, and technical staff on research and product development projects.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, test results, findings, and technical observations.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related technical field.
• Excellent experimental laboratory skills, including properly handling hazardous gases.
• Strong hands-on ability with laboratory equipment, optical systems, or scientific instrumentation.
• Strong analytical thinking and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new laser systems, measurement techniques, and laboratory instruments quickly.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating with a technical team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safe laboratory practices.

Preferred Technical Background

• Background in laser spectroscopy or optical spectroscopy.
• Hands-on experience with lasers, optics, photonics, or precision optical alignment.
• Experience operating and troubleshooting dye lasers, OPOs, tunable laser systems, or similar advanced laser equipment.
• Experience with laboratory electronics, detectors, oscilloscopes, data acquisition systems, or instrumentation control.
• Experience developing or improving experimental methods, optical setups, or research instrumentation.

Research Scope

• Laser development.
• Laser spectroscopy research, toward the goal of publication quality results.
• Optical system setup and alignment.
• Dye laser and OPO operation.
• Experimental data collection and analysis.
• Scientific instrumentation development.
• Laboratory troubleshooting and system optimization.

Ideal Candidate Background

• Laser spectroscopy.
• Atomic, molecular, or optical physics.
• Optical sciences or photonics.
• Physical chemistry or chemical physics.
• Experimental physics.
• Scientific instrumentation.
• Laboratory R&D.

Programming Skills

Programming experience is beneficial, especially when applied to experiment automation, data acquisition, instrumentation control, and scientific data analysis, but is not required for this position.

• VB.NET, Python, LabVIEW, C, C++, or similar programming languages.
• Data acquisition and instrument control.
• Scientific data processing and analysis.
• Experiment automation.
• Custom laboratory software or scripts.
• 3D Modeling/CAD Software.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent hands-on experimental ability.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Technically curious and eager to learn new systems.
• Persistent when troubleshooting difficult experimental problems.
• Comfortable working with complex laboratory instruments.
• Careful, precise, and mindful of safety protocols.
• Able to work independently or with limited supervision.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

What Makes This Role Different

We are looking for a research-minded experimentalist who enjoys working directly with lasers, optical systems, spectroscopy equipment, and scientific instruments. The most successful candidate will be someone who can learn quickly, troubleshoot effectively, and solve difficult technical problems in a hands-on laboratory environment. This role offers a unique opportunity to conduct privately funded academic research.