KGCOE Physical Science, Post Doc Associate

Rochester Institute of Technology; United States; On-site; USD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology's Integrated Photonics group seeks a researcher specializing in integrated photonic packaging. The role is largely independent research, with collaboration on multi-scholar initiatives and potential leadership of project components.

Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students is expected. Responsibilities include design of studies, experiment execution, data analysis, writing manuscripts, grant proposals, and presenting at conferences.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree required.
• Ability to plan and execute chip packaging research.
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
• Ability to work with sponsors and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Independently conducts research in integrated photonic packaging.
• Performs hands-on chip fabrication, packaging, metrology, and testing.
• Collaborates with internal and external partners.
• Mentors students and assists in managing the lab.
• May assist in teaching classes.

Skills

Research planning

Data analysis

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Position Highlights

This position in the RIT Integrated Photonics group performs mostly independent research focused on integrated photonic packaging. They collaborate on multi-scholar research initiatives and may lead discrete components of integrated photonic packaging research projects under the general direction of a senior or principal investigator. They also train and mentor undergraduate and graduate research students within the RIT Integrated Photonics Group.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently conducts research in integrated photonic packaging, including constructing hypotheses, designing research studies, data management, model development, executing experiments, and evaluating chip packaging techniques.
• Performs hands-on processes in chip fabrication, packaging, metrology, and characterization.
• Collaborates with internal research groups, external academic partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Ensures compliance with institutional, laboratory, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
• Assists in writing grant proposals and progress reports.
• Writes scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Presents research at meetings / conferences.
• Mentors and assists undergraduate and graduate students.
• Assists in managing the research laboratory, including equipment training, maintenance, and material handling.
• May assist in teaching classes/workshops related to microelectronics or photonic chip packaging.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute chip packaging research.
• Knowledge of applicable research methods, analytical procedures, chip fabrication processes, metrology, and testing routines.
• Knowledge of photonic chip packaging principles and testing.
• Knowledge of research compliance, safety standards, and ethics.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Demonstrated potential for original or collaborative scholarship.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.
• Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders.

Minimum Education and Experience

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronic Engineering, Photonic Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Practical experience in chip fabrication, packaging, metrology, and/or device testing. Knowledge of photonic chip packaging and testing.

Salary information

$65K-$72.5K

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Independently conducts research including, but not limited to, constructing hypotheses, design and planning of research studies, data management, model development, conducting experiments or assessments, analysis and interpretation of results, and evaluation of research techniques.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
• Assists in the writing of grant proposals.
• May assist in teaching classes.
• May mentor and assist undergraduate and/or graduate students.
• May assist in managing research laboratories.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute research.
• Knowledge of applicable research methods and analytical procedures.
• Knowledge of research compliance and ethics.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Demonstrated potential for original or collaborative scholarship.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.
• Ability to communicate findings and effectively work with sponsors and stakeholders.

Minimum Education & Experience

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field.

Job Level Overview N/A

FLSA Category Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$62,000- $72,500 annually

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long-standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall 2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded 21,000. Nationally recognized for its co-op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than 4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its 1,300-acre suburban campus features cutting-edge facilities that reflect RIT's strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.