Postdoctoral Researcher, Amorphous Optical Coatings

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

Postdoctoral Researcher, Amorphous Optical Coatings

Job ID: 304028

Location: Marietta, Georgia

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come TakeFlight at KSU!

Location

(Primary Location for JobResponsibilities) Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Department Information

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. 1. Conducts research on the development and fundamentalunderstanding of low-thermal-noise and low-optical-absorptionamorphous thin-film coatings for Cosmic Explorer and other currentand future gravitational-wave detectors
2. 2. Develops, performs, and analyzes atomistic simulations ofamorphous optical-coating materials using methods such asdensity-functional theory, ab initio and classical moleculardynamics, and related computational materials techniques
3. 3. Analyzes and interprets experimental structural data from amorphous thin films, including X-ray total-scattering, pair-distribution-function (PDF), and related diffraction/scattering measurements, and integrate these results with atomistic modeling
4. 4. Investigates relationships among atomic structure, defects,thermal processing, optical properties, and mechanical loss incandidate gravitational-wave mirror-coating materials
5. 5. Develops computational and data-analysis workflows for modeling and characterization of amorphous materials, including useof high-performance computing resources and scientificprogramming
6. 6. Participates in collaborative research within the LIGOScientific Collaboration Center for Coatings Research and withresearchers at partner universities and national laboratories, including coordination and interpretation of experimental andcomputational results
7. 7. Participates, as appropriate to the research program, inexperiments and scientific meetings at collaborating institutionsand national user facilities

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Research background in physics, materials science, appliedphysics, chemistry, or a closely related discipline, with expertise relevant to condensed matter and/or materials physics
• Knowledge of the physics and structure of amorphous ordisordered materials, thin films, optical materials, or closely related materials systems
• Experience with atomistic and/or computational materialsmodeling, such as density-functional theory, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo or structure-refinement methods, or comparablecomputational techniques
• Proficiency with scientific computing and data analysis, including programming or scripting in Python or comparable scientific programming environments, and experience working in Linux and/or high-performance computing environments
• Able to analyze atomic structure and structure-propertyrelationships using quantities such as pair correlation functions, coordination environments, bond-angle distributions, electronicstructure, defects, vibrational properties, or related materialsdescriptors
• Able to integrate computational predictions with experimentalmeasurements and communicate scientific results effectively withina multidisciplinary, multi-institution research collaboration

Job Summary

Postdoctoral Researchers support teams of KSU faculty and students (undergraduate and graduate students), which engage with external collaborators from other universities, community members, government agencies, and/or private sector entities to stimulate innovation, capacity-building, and sustainability of research and scholarly activity at KSU.

This position is considered limited-term staff since it utilizes contingent funding, which is currently only secured through December 31, 2027. Employment thereafter will be conditional based on continued availability of funding.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plans and executes experimental activities, data analyses, submission of reports or of manuscripts to peer-reviewed publications, and/or attendance and presentation of research findings at appropriate venues of dissemination
2. Develops and contributes to new ideas for research proposals and directions within the research group
3. Develops an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with faculty mentor
4. Generates revenue by securing grants and participates in departmental and institutional career development programs, such as grant writing workshops
5. Prepares project budget and ensures funded project operates within budget guidelines
6. Maintains official records and documents, and ensures compliance with institutional policies, and federal, state and local regulations
7. Establishes working relationships and cooperative arrangements with internal and external partners
8. Engages in research and publication

Educational Requirements

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. D.V.M, Sc.D., M.D., PharmD., etc.) from an accredited institution of higher education or obtainment of doctorate degree within six (6) months of hire

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
• Knowledge of amorphous optical coatings, mechanical loss, optical absorption, gravitational-wave detector materials, or precision optical materials is desirable but not required
• Knowledge of or experience with X-ray, neutron, or electron scattering/diffraction and pair distribution-function analysis is desirable

ABILITIES

Able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously to meet assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research on a team of faculty and students with the ability to meet deliverables and milestones

Demonstrated creative and proactive approach towards problem solving

Knowledge of and experience in general analytical methods development and good analytical practices

Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field

SKILLS

Outstanding proposal and paper writing skills

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills

Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite)

Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, [e-mail].

Other Information

• This is not a supervisory position.
• This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
• This position will not be required to drive.
• This role is not considered a position of trust.
• This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
• This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time.
• This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced
• Education

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.

https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf