Assistant Scientist (Theoretical Studies of Laser-Material Interactions)

University-of-Rochester; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 83,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics invites applications for a research-focused position in optical materials and coatings. The role centers on modeling laser interactions with nanostructures and developing criteria for coatings with extended lifetimes.

It requires close collaboration with scientists and engineers across design, fabrication, and characterization teams. Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or a related field, with strong electromagnetic theory

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience with multiphysics computational tools.
• Strong background in electromagnetic theory and applications.
• Research experience on high intensity EM waves with materials.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers in optical design and coating fabrication.
• Interface with staff and support facility operations.
• Publish results in refereed journals and present at meetings.
• Review relevant literature and advance computational capabilities for materials development.

Skills

Electromagnetic theory

High intensity laser interaction

Scientific programming

Education

PhD in Physics or Applied Physics

Tools

Multiphysics simulation tools

Job description

University of Rochester: Office of the Provost: Academic Center: LLE-Laboratory for Laser Energ

Location

Laboratory for Laser Energetics

Open Date

Oct 05, 2026

Salary Range or Pay Grade

$82,500 to $110,000

Description

Job Overview:

• Develop modeling capabilities to investigated the interaction of laser pulses with nanostructures and nanofeatures.
• Investigate the origin of laser induced damage in complex optical materials (gratings, multilayer dielectric coatings, meta optics, mixed materials) .
• Help develop designing criteria for next generation optical coatings with extended lifetime performance.
• Active communication/collaboration with other internal and external groups with targeted scope of work that is relevant to LLE's current and future needs.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work closely with scientist and engineers with expertise in optical design, coating fabrication, material characterization and laser damage testing.
• Interface with LLE staff while collaborating on projects and supporting facility operations.
• Communicate research results through internal reports, publish in refereed journals, and present at internal laboratory meetings and conference settings.
• Survey, study, and peer review relevant scientific literature
• Responsible for developing and maintaining computational capabilities in support of optical materials development and fabrication of coating and laser components

Qualifications

• PhD - Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or other relevant fields
• Experience using multiphysics computational tools .
• Strong background in electromagnetic theory and applications.
• Research experience in the interaction of high intensity electromagnetic waves with material (propagation, energy coupling, nonlinear processes etc.)

Application Process

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University's Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.