Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term
About The Position
Michigan State University invites applications for up to five Postdoctoral Research Scholar positions associated with the Ultrafast Electron Microscopy Platform for Mesoscale Science and Technology (UEM-MST), a research infrastructure initiative under the U.S. National Science Foundation Mid-scale Research Infrastructure program. UEM-MST aims to establish a next-generation ultrafast electron microscopy platform combining femtosecond temporal resolution, nanoscale spatial resolution, high-throughput measurement, and advanced data acquisition to investigate dynamic processes in materials and devices across timescales from femtoseconds to seconds. The initiative brings together researchers from physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical and computer engineering, accelerator science, and scientific computing, building on MSU’s strengths in ultrafast electron microscopy, laser science, and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams. Postdoctoral scholars will contribute to developing a transformative scientific instrument and help shape research capabilities envisioned for a future national user facility. Research opportunities span ultrafast electron microscopy and materials dynamics; ultrafast lasers, photonics, and optical instrumentation; RF systems, electron optics, and accelerator technologies; high-speed electronics, FPGA systems, and scientific computing; and computational imaging, data science, and autonomous experimentation. The areas are interconnected, and applicants with expertise in one discipline and interest in interdisciplinary collaboration are encouraged. Researchers combining experimental, computational, and engineering approaches are welcome. Scholars will collaborate across disciplines, build on existing MSU and FRIB research capabilities, take intellectual ownership of research and technology-development challenges, and pursue opportunities for high-impact publications, intellectual property development, and scientific leadership. The experience may develop career-relevant expertise for national laboratories, academia, semiconductor instrumentation, advanced microscopy, and high-technology industries. The longer-term vision includes an advanced ultrafast electron microscopy user facility, subject to future funding and implementation decisions. This is a full-time postdoctoral research position. The initial appointment length and possible renewals depend on project needs, satisfactory performance, university policies, and funding availability. Applications will be reviewed beginning December 2, 2026, and continue until all available positions are filled. Questions may be directed to Prof. Chong-Yu Ruan at [email protected].
Requirements
- A Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, computer engineering, accelerator science, or a closely related field, completed by the appointment start date.
- Demonstrated research accomplishments in at least one of the listed research areas.
- Strong analytical, experimental, computational, or engineering problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Strong scientific communication skills.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with advanced scientific instrumentation, ultrafast experiments, electron microscopy, laser systems, RF technology, FPGA systems, or computational methods.
- Evidence of research creativity, technical initiative, and ability to lead challenging research tasks.
- Interest in developing integrated scientific capabilities beyond a single specialized discipline.
- Expertise in one relevant field combined with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary work.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development of the UEM-MST ultrafast electron microscopy platform and its associated research capabilities.
- Conduct research in one or more areas including ultrafast electron microscopy and materials dynamics; ultrafast lasers, photonics, and optical instrumentation; RF systems, electron optics, and accelerator technologies; high-speed electronics, FPGA systems, and scientific computing; or computational imaging, data science, and autonomous experimentation.
- Collaborate with researchers across disciplines, including physics, materials science, chemistry, engineering, accelerator science, and scientific computing.
- Take intellectual ownership of research and technology-development challenges.
- Help shape research capabilities envisioned for a future national user facility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
