Assistant Scientist Instrument Science

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Retirement options

Job summary

University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, 12-month Assistant Scientist position in Instrument Science, focused on precision optical measurements for gravitational wave detectors. The successful candidate will develop and implement optical systems achieving picometer stability and contribute to LIGO/LISA-related projects.

The role requires a PhD in physics or related field, postdoctoral experience, and proven mentoring ability.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or closely related field required.
• Demonstrated potential for mentoring a diverse undergraduate and graduate student body.
• Postdoctoral research experience and an established research program is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct precision optical measurements for gravitational wave detector applications.
• Design optical systems capable of measuring telescope stability to picometer precision.
• Develop and test lasers and optics for 2-micron wavelengths and cavity locking.

Skills

Mentoring

Research program development

Education

PhD in Physics

Postdoctoral research experience

Job description

Assistant Scientist Instrument Science

Job No: 541567

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Grant or Research Administration, Physical/Mathematical Sciences

Department: 16360100 - LS-PHYSICS-GENERAL

Job Description

Classification Title: Assistant ScientistInstrument Science

Classification Minimum Requirements: Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in physics or a closely related field. Relevant postdoctoral research experience is required. Demonstrated potential for excellence in mentoring a diverse undergraduate and graduate student body, while establishing a well-recognized research program, is essential.

The Department of Physics at the University of Florida invites applications for a full-time, 12-month Assistant Scientist position specializing in precision optical measurements, beginning January 1, 2027.

We seek highly qualified candidates from all areas of precision optical measurements. The successful candidate should have demonstrated extraordinary experience in developing, implementing and/or applying optical systems with picometer accuracy.

The University of Florida has been part of the LIGO and LISA experiments for almost 30 years. During that time, we have focused on instrument science and currently have projects measuring the length stability of prototype telescopes for space missions as well as the development of a 2‑micron laser.

The successful candidate will carry out research on precision measurements of optical instruments to be used in gravitational‑wave detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational‑Wave Observatory (LIGO). The work includes the design of optical systems capable of measuring the stability of telescopes to 1 part in a trillion (picometer stability), the design of optical benches to match properly laser beams to ultra‑stable cavities. It also includes studies of single‑mode non‑planar ring oscillator (NPRO) lasers operating near 2‑micron wavelengths for use in cryogenically cooled laser interferometers employing silicon optics. Relevant tasks include measuring the tunability of these lasers, designing mode‑matching optics to optical cavities, studying methods for phase modulation at 2‑micron wavelengths, and demonstrating locking of these lasers to the cavities.

Salary & Benefits

The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the compensation includes a full benefits package.

UF offers a strong benefits package for eligible faculty appointments, including health insurance, paid leave (as applicable), and retirement options. Learn more here.

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States require evaluation by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http://www.naces.org/.

Eligibility & Other

Health Assessment Required: No

Applications Close: 19 November 2026

Equal Opportunity

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.