Postdoctoral Scholar in Experimental Optics

The Opportunity

CREOL (Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers) is one of the world's foremost institutions for research and education in optical and photonic science and engineering. The College offers MS and PhD degrees in optics and photonics, and a BS degree in photonic science and engineering.

The faculty engages in fundamental and applied research and education in lasers, optical fibers, semiconductor and integrated photonic devices, nonlinear and quantum optics, imaging, sensing, and displays. The college is home to the CREOL, Florida Photonics Center of Excellence (FPCE), and Townes Laser Institute (TLI), and the Institute for the Frontier of Attosecond Science and Technology (iFAST).

In addition, the College of Medicine, which includes the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, provides rich opportunities for collaboration.

The Semiconductor Diode Laser Group is accepting applications for a postdoctoral scholar position in experimental optics. Our research focuses on large, high-power semiconductor diode laser arrays, with particular emphasis on external-cavity coupling, phase locking, coherent beam combining, and the collective dynamics of coupled laser systems.

Current projects explore the emergence and control of synchronization, spatial and temporal coherence, and the other collective states in large arrays of coupled semiconductor lasers. The research combines advanced optical experiments with theoretical and computational modeling of nonlinear laser dynamics.

We are seeking highly motivated researchers with strong experimental expertise in free-space optics, beam propagation, and semiconductor laser systems. Successful candidates will contribute to the development, alignment, characterization, and optimization of advanced optical and photonic experimental platforms involving semiconductor diode lasers and laser arrays.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Optics/Photonics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with free-space optical systems, including optical alignment, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Solid understanding of Gaussian beam propagation, diffraction, focusing, imaging, and optical beam characterization.
• Experience working with semiconductor lasers, laser sources, and associated optical components.
• Demonstrated ability to independently align, characterize, and optimize complex free-space optical steps involving lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, spatial filters, detectors, and related instrumentation.
• Experience with optical diagnostics, experimental data acquisition, and analysis is desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the dynamics and modeling of semiconductor diode lasers and laser arrays.
• Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics, synchronization, or nonlinear systems.

Additional Application Materials Required

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• A curriculum vitae.
• Brief statement of research interests and relevant experimental experience.

Note

• Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.
• The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Special Instructions to the Applicants

Position may be restricted to U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents due to the nature of the research funding. However, all applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. H-1B visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

• This is a Contract & Grants (C&G) funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.
• The position is anticipated for at least two years, with continued appointment and possible extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding (up to a total of four years).

• Department
• College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL)
• Work Schedule
• Varies
• Type of Appointment
• Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
• Expected Salary
• Negotiable

Additional information

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.