Postdoctoral Research Associate in Large Nonlinear Computational Dynamical Systems

University of Central Florida • Orlando, FL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in computational nonlinear dynamics and large-scale numerical modeling of semiconductor laser arrays at the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL), University of Central Florida. Our research program investigates collective dynamics, synchronization, and self-organization in large arrays of coupled semiconductor diode lasers. The work combines experiments with computational and theoretical modeling of nonlinear dynamical systems with time-delayed interactions. A major objective of this position is to develop and implement efficient numerical methods for increasingly large and complex systems of coupled nonlinear delay-differential equations (DDEs). Models range from arrays of single-mode semiconductor lasers described by Lang–Kobayashi-type equations to substantially larger multimode systems incorporating multiple optical modes, carrier dynamics, nonlinear interactions, heterogeneity, and delayed nonlocal coupling. As the number of lasers and optical modes increases, direct numerical simulation becomes computationally demanding. The successful candidate will therefore focus not only on physical modeling but also on developing, optimizing, and accelerating computational approaches capable of treating large laser networks efficiently. The postdoctoral associate researcher will contribute to several areas, including: Numerical integration of large systems of nonlinear delay-differential equations, Modeling of single-mode and multimode semiconductor laser arrays, Optimization and acceleration of existing simulation codes, Parallel computing and high-performance computing (HPC), GPU acceleration, where appropriate, Development of scalable numerical algorithms for systems containing large numbers of lasers and optical modes. An important component of the project will be determining how numerical algorithms and existing stimulation codes can be redesigned or optimized to achieve substantial improvements in computational speed while preserving numerical accuracy and stability. The position provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of computational mathematics, nonlinear dynamics, high-performance computing, and experimental photonics. The research is closely connected with ongoing experiments involving large semiconductor diode laser arrays. This interaction provides an unusual opportunity for computational researchers to test theoretical and numerical predictions against experimentally observed collective dynamics. This position allows for opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration involving researchers in optics, photonics, nonlinear dynamics, applied mathematics, and computational science. Semiconductor-laser experience is not required. The successful candidate will work closely with experimental researchers, and the necessary background in semiconductor laser physics and external-cavity laser systems can be developed as part of the project.

Requirements

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Applied Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, Computational Science, Physics, Optical Science, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Strong programming skills are very important.

Nice To Haves

• Strong experience in one or more of the following: Numerical methods for ordinary and delay-differential equations.
• Scientific computing and numerical analysis
• Large-scale dynamical systems
• High-performance computing
• Parallel numerical algorithms
• GPU computing
• Experience with C/C++, Python, Julia, MATLAB, CUDA, or a comparable scientific-computing environment is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Numerical integration of large systems of nonlinear delay-differential equations
• Modeling of single-mode and multimode semiconductor laser arrays
• Optimization and acceleration of existing simulation codes
• Parallel computing and high-performance computing (HPC)
• GPU acceleration, where appropriate
• Development of scalable numerical algorithms for systems containing large numbers of lasers and optical modes

Benefits

• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree