Research Assistant Professor

at  University of Nebraska

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Center for Electro-optics and Functionalized Surfaces (CEFS) are seeking a research assistant professor. The CEFS has a multidisciplinary research program focused on developing techniques using ultrashort pulse laser-matter interactions to functionalize surfaces and study many applications of surfaces functionalized with a femtosecond laser. There is a need for a research professor with cross-disciplinary expertise that includes expertise in femtosecond laser surface processing for functionalizing surfaces, understanding, and controlling surface chemistry of laser processed surfaces, as well as extensive experience with high power ultrashort pulse lasers, advanced laser surface processing CNC systems, vacuum chambers and material and chemical analysis equipment such as SEM, XPS, AES, and residual gas analyzers. CEFS contains $2.5M in specialized research equipment purchased through recent DoD DURIP grants as well as a wide array of other specialized equipment purchased through other sources. This equipment includes a $1M ultrahigh vacuum system custom designed for laser surface processing and chemical analysis of laser processed surfaces. The position requires a research professor with experience managing and operating this specialized type of equipment. The research assistant professor will be expected to be highly motivated and play an active role in the leadership and growth of CEFS into a larger collaborative research center. CEFS currently includes approximately 25 researchers (five faculty, twelve doctoral students, five MS students, and many undergraduate students). The research assistant professor will also be expected to pursue opportunities with federal agencies and industry to develop new research efforts around FLSP and its applications. The position is expected to be appointed on a three-year basis and renewable based on performance and availability of continued funding.

Position Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in ultrashort pulse laser-matter interactions and the use of lasers to functionalize surfaces.
• Manage the operation and maintenance of several femtosecond laser systems, and materials analysis equipment.
• Organize and prepare reports for sponsors.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate student research assistants on a day-to-day basis and interface with collaborators.
• Collaborate with research groups led by faculty from many different disciplines, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, and physics.
• Participate in manuscript writing/preparation, and conference talks/posters.
• Pursue opportunities with federal agencies and participate in proposal writing.

As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent in electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• A record of scholarly achievement and the potential to support and grow an existing strong, externally funded research program in femtosecond laser surface processing.
• Demonstrated expertise in specific areas of interest, including femtosecond laser surface processing for functionalizing surfaces, understanding, and controlling surface chemistry of laser processed surfaces, as well as extensive experience with high power ultrashort pulse lasers, advanced laser surface processing CNC systems, vacuum chambers and material and chemical analysis equipment such as SEM, XPS, AES, and residual gas analyzers.

Preferred Qualifications
Posted Salary
How to Apply

Click “Apply for this Job” and complete the information form. Attach the following documents:

• Single page cover letter explaining your interest in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Research statement.
• Statement of how your combined professional and academic experiences have equipped you to make a valuable contribution to Inclusive Excellence, a fundamental aspect of the COE Complete Engineer Program.
• A list of at least three professional references.

Note: please combine the statements (items 3 and 4) into a single document not to exceed five pages total. Attach as “Other Document.

• Conduct independent research in ultrashort pulse laser-matter interactions and the use of lasers to functionalize surfaces.
• Manage the operation and maintenance of several femtosecond laser systems, and materials analysis equipment.
• Organize and prepare reports for sponsors.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate student research assistants on a day-to-day basis and interface with collaborators.
• Collaborate with research groups led by faculty from many different disciplines, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, and physics.
• Participate in manuscript writing/preparation, and conference talks/posters.
• Pursue opportunities with federal agencies and participate in proposal writing