Post Doctoral Fellow - RISE Hub - Optics and optical materials

About this role

Job Description Position Summary: Colorado State University (CSU) seeks an independent, curiosity driven  post-doctoral researcher to work on optical diagnostics of multilayer coatings for inertial fusion drivers. The research will also include the study of physical mechanisms that affect the coatings performance under intense illumination. The candidate must have strong experience in optical diagnostics and in the implementation of optical metrology. Close interaction with RISE hub industry participants is expected.

Full Consideration Date: Monday, August 24, 2026, 11:59pm (MT).

Description of Work Unit: The RISE hub, part of Advanced Lasers for Extreme Photonics Center (ALEPH), located at Colorado State University Foothills campus has the goal to advance science and technology to support laser fusion.  A research thrust of the RISE hub focuses on the synthesis, characterization and testing of dielectric coatings for high power ultraviolet lasers, high finesse optical enhancement cavities  and ultrashort pulse near infrared lasers that are drivers for inertial fusion energy.   Research at the RISE hub fosters innovation.  The RISE hub Advanced Coatings Laboratory is equipped with  state-of-the-art instrumentation  for the synthesis of amorphous oxides thin films and for their optical and structural characterization. 

Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins at the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The city is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States.

The RISE Hub exists within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).  ECE has 25 faculty members, 350 undergraduates, and 250 graduate students. More information can be found at lasers.colostate.edu and www.engr.colostate.edu .

Essential Job Duties:  • Plan and implement experiments aimed at developing different optical metrologies to identify modifications in the optical properties of interference coatings under intense illumination.  • In collaboration with other group members design and test dielectric coatings that have superior lifetime compared to state-of-the-art. • Actively participate in project report meetings within the research group and with external collaborators, and maintain close interaction with RISE hub industry participants.   • Write project reports and related proposals for future funding opportunities, including contributing towards publication of research results and findings in high-impact journals. 

Decision Making:  • This candidate will make decisions in the planning and implementation of experiments aimed at developing difference optical metrologies to identify modification in the optical properties of interference coatings under intense illumination.  • In collaboration with other group members the candidate will have input into the design and testing of dielectric coatings that have superior laser damage performance and superior lifetime compared to state-of-the-art.  • The candidate will make decisions on design and implementation of experiments, in data analysis and reporting of results and in the implementation of AI/ML tools that will enact to predict coatings' performance. 

Supervision:  • No direct reports but helps supervise Graduate students or post docs and student employees.

Conditions of Employment:  • Pre-employment background check.

Minimum Qualifications: • PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline. • Experience in optical metrology, and in lasers.

Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with optical diagnostic instrumentation. • Experience with studies of laser-materials interactions. • Experience with programming. • Experience with AI/ML tools.

Salary Range $68,000 - $73,000 (commensurate with experience) Required Application Documents To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Cover Letter, Resume/CV Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. • Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local l

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