Assistant Scientist Instrument Science

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

25d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Physics at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, 12-month Assistant Scientist position specializing in precision optical measurements, beginning January 1, 2027. We seek highly qualified candidates from all areas of precision optical measurements. The successful candidate should have demonstrated extraordinary experience in developing, implementing and/or applying optical systems with picometer accuracy. The University of Florida has been part of the LIGO and LISA experiments for almost 30 years. During that time, we have focused on instrument science and currently have projects measuring the length stability of prototype telescopes for space missions as well as the development of a 2-micron laser. The successful candidate will carry out research on precision measurements of optical instruments to be used in gravitational-wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). The work includes the design of optical systems capable of measuring the stability of telescopes to 1 part in a trillion (picometer stability), the design of optical benches to match properly laser beams to ultra-stable cavities. It also includes studies of single-mode non-planar ring oscillator (NPRO) lasers operating near 2-micron wavelengths for use in cryogenically cooled laser interferometers employing silicon optics. Relevant tasks include measuring the tunability of these lasers, designing mode-matching optics to optical cavities, studying methods for phase modulation at 2-micron wavelengths, and demonstrating locking of these lasers to the cavities.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in physics or a closely related field.
Relevant postdoctoral research experience.
Demonstrated potential for excellence in mentoring a diverse undergraduate and graduate student body.
Demonstrated potential for establishing a well-recognized research program.
Extraordinary experience in developing, implementing and/or applying optical systems with picometer accuracy.

Responsibilities

Carry out research on precision measurements of optical instruments to be used in gravitational-wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
Design optical systems capable of measuring the stability of telescopes to 1 part in a trillion (picometer stability).
Design optical benches to match properly laser beams to ultra-stable cavities.
Study single-mode non-planar ring oscillator (NPRO) lasers operating near 2-micron wavelengths for use in cryogenically cooled laser interferometers employing silicon optics.
Measure the tunability of these lasers.
Design mode-matching optics to optical cavities.
Study methods for phase modulation at 2-micron wavelengths.
Demonstrate locking of these lasers to the cavities.