Research Scientist-Wyant College of Optical Sciences

at  University of Arizona

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

The James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences is seeking candidates to fill a senior/mid-level research scientist/engineer with background on hardware design, development, implementation and testing of a free-space optical laser communication system. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a government funded research project with a team of faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and students, along with industrial and university partners.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Excellent verbal and written communicationskills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in optics related disciplines, such as electrical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering.
• At least 8 years of experience in design, development, implementation and testing of opt-mechanical-electrical-photonics systems.
• Due to ITAR/EAR restrictions the successful candidate must be a U.S. Citizen or hold permanent resident status.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience with spatial light modulators such as LCoS, and DMD, and theory on free space optical communication and with beam steering modalities to control such devices.
• Track record of publications and conference presentations.
• Experience with hands-on lab work.
• Demonstrated experience with GPU programming, FPGA, and DNN in image recognition is a plus.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

• Lead research effort on hardware development of free-space laser communication system. Design, develop, implement and test transmitter and receiver terminal consisting of a laser source, a modulator, a beam steering mechanism and optics such as Galvo mirror, fast steering mirror, and MEMS diffractive beam steerer, detectors such as quad detectors, high speed detectors, and cameras. The successful candidate requires knowledge and track-record practice on opt-mechanical-electrical system development and testing.
• Effectively collaborate with faculty, staff, and students at University of Arizona. As a responsible point of contact and technical lead of hardware development, manage and coordinate efforts among the team at University of Arizona, and with external industry and university partners.
• Keep track of progress and document. Assist preparation of report and presentations to sponsor. Prepare documents for industrial and university partners. Prepare journal and conference.
• Assist PI to prepare proposals to existing and prospective sponsors.