Postdoc: Amorphous Optical Coatings for Gravitational Waves

Kennesaw State University; Kennesaw (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Postdoctoral Researcher in Amorphous Optical Coatings at Kennesaw State University will contribute to cutting‑edge coatings research for gravitational-wave detectors. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across campuses and national labs, focusing on low-thermal-noise materials and advanced simulations.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in physics, materials science or related fields, with strong background in computational materials and experimental data interpretation.

Qualifications

• Research background in physics, materials science, or related discipline with expertise in condensed matter/materials physics.
• Knowledge of amorphous or disordered materials, thin films, optical materials or related systems.
• Experience with atomistic/computational materials modelling (DFT, MD, Monte Carlo) or equivalent techniques.
• Proficiency in scientific computing and data analysis, including Python, Linux, and HPC environments.
• Ability to analyze atomic structure and structure-property relationships using descriptors (PDF, coordination, etc.).
• Ability to integrate predictions with experimental data and communicate results in multidisciplinary collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Plans and executes experimental activities, data analyses, and manuscript submissions or conference presentations.
• Develops new ideas for research proposals within the research group.
• Develops an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with mentor.
• Generates revenue by securing grants and participates in grant-writing workshops.
• Prepares project budgets and ensures funded projects operate within guidelines.
• Maintains records and ensures compliance with policies and regulations.
• Establishes relationships with internal and external partners.
• Engages in research and publication.

Skills

Condensed matter physics

Amorphous coatings

Computational modelling

Python programming

Linux / HPC

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate

Tools

DFT software

Molecular dynamics

Python

High-performance computing

Job description

The Postdoctoral Researcher in Amorphous Optical Coatings at Kennesaw State University will contribute to cutting‑edge coatings research for gravitational-wave detectors. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across campuses and national labs, focusing on low-thermal-noise materials and advanced simulations.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in physics, materials science or related fields, with strong background in computational materials and experimental data interpretation.