Postdoctoral Researcher, Amorphous Optical Coatings

About Us

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our universitys vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!

Location

(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Department Information

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conducts research on the development and fundamental understanding of low-thermal-noise and low-optical-absorption amorphous thin-film coatings for Cosmic Explorer and other current and future gravitational-wave detectors

2. Develops, performs, and analyzes atomistic simulations of amorphous optical-coating materials using methods such as density-functional theory, ab initio and classical molecular dynamics, and related computational materials techniques

3. Analyzes and interprets experimental structural data from amorphous thin films, including X-ray total-scattering, pair-distribution-function (PDF), and related diffraction/scattering measurements, and integrate these results with atomistic modeling

4. Investigates relationships among atomic structure, defects, thermal processing, optical properties, and mechanical loss in candidate gravitational-wave mirror-coating materials

5. Develops computational and data-analysis workflows for modeling and characterization of amorphous materials, including use of high-performance computing resources and scientific programming

6. Participates in collaborative research within the LIGO Scientific Collaboration Center for Coatings Research and with researchers at partner universities and national laboratories, including coordination and interpretation of experimental and computational results

7. Participates, as appropriate to the research program, in experiments and scientific meetings at collaborating institutions and national user facilities

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES*:

• Research background in physics, materials science, applied physics, chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with expertise relevant to condensed matter and/or materials physics
• Knowledge of the physics and structure of amorphous or disordered materials, thin films, optical materials, or closely related materials systems
• Experience with atomistic and/or computational materials modeling, such as density-functional theory, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo or structure-refinement methods, or comparable computational techniques
• Proficiency with scientific computing and data analysis, including programming or scripting in Python or comparable scientific programming environments, and experience working in Linux and/or high-performance computing environments
• Able to analyze atomic structure and structure-property relationships using quantities such as pair correlation functions, coordination environments, bond-angle distributions, electronic structure, defects, vibrational properties, or related materials descriptors
• Able to integrate computational predictions with experimental measurements and communicate scientific results effectively within a multidisciplinary, multi-institution research collaboration

Job Summary

Postdoctoral Researchers support teams of KSU faculty and students (undergraduate and graduate students), which engage with external collaborators from other universities, community members, government agencies, and/or private sector entities to stimulate innovation, capacity-building, and sustainability of research and scholarly activity at KSU.

This position is considered limited-term staff since it utilizes contingent funding, which is currently only secured through December 31, 2027. Employment thereafter will be conditional based on continued availability of funding.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plans and executes experimental activities, data analyses, submission of reports or of manuscripts to peer-reviewed publications, and/or attendance and presentation of research findings at appropriate venues of dissemination

2. Develops and contributes to new ideas for research proposals and directions within the research group

3. Develops an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with faculty mentor

4. Generates revenue by securing grants and participates in departmental and institutional career development programs, such as grant writing workshops

5. Prepares project budget and ensures funded project operates within budget guidelines

6. Maintains official records and documents, and ensures compliance with institutional policies, and federal, state and local regulations

7. Establishes working relationships and cooperative arrangements with internal and external partners

8. Engages in research and publication

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. D.V.M, Sc.D., M.D., PharmD., etc.) from an accredited institution of higher education or obtainment of doctorate degree within six (6) months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Knowledge of amorphous optical coatings, mechanical loss, optical absorption, gravitational-wave detector materials, or precision optical materials is desirable but not required

Knowledge of or experience with X-ray, neutron, or electron scattering/diffraction and pair distribution-function analysis is desirable

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously to meet assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research on a team of faculty and students with the ability to meet deliverables and milestones

Demonstrated creative and proactive approach towards problem solving

Knowledge of and experience in general analytical methods development and good analytical practices

Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field

SKILLS

Outstanding proposal and paper writing skills

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills

Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite)

Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu.

Other Information

This is not a supervisory position.

This position does not have any financial responsibilities.

This position will not be required to drive.

This role is not considered a position of trust.

This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).

This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf