Post Doctoral Fellow - RISE Hub - Optics and optical materials

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University (CSU) seeks an independent, curiosity-driven post-doctoral researcher to work on optical diagnostics of multilayer coatings for inertial fusion drivers. The research will study mechanisms affecting coating performance under intense illumination, with strong experience in optical diagnostics and metrology.

Close collaboration with RISE hub industry participants is expected. The RISE hub in ALEPH at CSU Foothills focuses on dielectric coatings for high power UV lasers and

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline.
• Experience in optical metrology, and in lasers.
• Experience with optical diagnostic instrumentation.
• Experience with studies of laser-materials interactions.
• Experience with programming.
• Experience with AI/ML tools.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement experiments to develop optical metrologies for coatings under intense illumination.
• Collaborate to design and test dielectric coatings with superior lifetime and laser damage resistance.
• Participate in project meetings and interact with RISE hub industry participants.
• Write project reports and proposals for funding; contribute to publications.

Skills

Optical metrology

Lasers

Programming

AI/ML tools

Education

PhD in Physics

PhD in Applied Physics

PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

Related discipline

Job description

Position Summary

Colorado State University (CSU) seeks an independent, curiosity driven post-doctoral researcher to work on optical diagnostics of multilayer coatings for inertial fusion drivers. The research will also include the study of physical mechanisms that affect the coatings performance under intense illumination. The candidate must have strong experience in optical diagnostics and in the implementation of optical metrology. Close interaction with RISE hub industry participants is expected.

Full Consideration Date

Monday, August 24, 2026, 11:59pm (MT).

Description of Work Unit

The RISE hub, part of Advanced Lasers for Extreme Photonics Center (ALEPH), located at Colorado State University Foothills campus has the goal to advance science and technology to support laser fusion. A research thrust of the RISE hub focuses on the synthesis, characterization and testing of dielectric coatings for high power ultraviolet lasers, high finesse optical enhancement cavities and ultrashort pulse near infrared lasers that are drivers for inertial fusion energy. Research at the RISE hub fosters innovation. The RISE hub Advanced Coatings Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for the synthesis of amorphous oxides thin films and for their optical and structural characterization.

Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins at the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The city is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States.

The RISE Hub exists within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). ECE has 25 faculty members, 350 undergraduates, and 250 graduate students. More information can be found at lasers.colostate.edu and www.engr.colostate.edu.

Essential Job Duties

• Plan and implement experiments aimed at developing different optical metrologies to identify modifications in the optical properties of interference coatings under intense illumination.
• In collaboration with other group members design and test dielectric coatings that have superior lifetime compared to state-of-the-art.
• Actively participate in project report meetings within the research group and with external collaborators, and maintain close interaction with RISE hub industry participants.
• Write project reports and related proposals for future funding opportunities, including contributing towards publication of research results and findings in high-impact journals.

Decision Making

• This candidate will make decisions in the planning and implementation of experiments aimed at developing difference optical metrologies to identify modification in the optical properties of interference coatings under intense illumination.
• In collaboration with other group members the candidate will have input into the design and testing of dielectric coatings that have superior laser damage performance and superior lifetime compared to state-of-the-art.
• The candidate will make decisions on design and implementation of experiments, in data analysis and reporting of results and in the implementation of AI/ML tools that will enact to predict coatings' performance.

Supervision: No direct reports but helps supervise Graduate students or post docs and student employees.

Conditions of Employment: Pre-employment background check.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline.
• Experience in optical metrology, and in lasers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical diagnostic instrumentation.
• Experience with studies of laser-materials interactions.
• Experience with programming.
• Experience with AI/ML tools.

Salary Range
$68,000 - $73,000 (commensurate with experience)

Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.