Postdoctotal Scholar (Paducah Campus)

University of Kentucky; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Kentucky Pigman College of Engineering Paducah Campus will focus on instruction and laboratory development in Laser and Photonics Engineering Technology, teaching optics, lasers, and photonics courses with a hands-on laboratory emphasis.

You will develop instructional materials, support laboratory facilities, collaborate to broaden laser education for students and regional industry, and engage in research and grant development where possible.

Qualifications

• PhD required in physics, engineering or related fields.
• Experience in laser and photonics education or labs preferred.
• Ability to develop hands-on laboratory materials and demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses related to optics, lasers, and photonics with a strong hands-on laboratory emphasis.
• Develop instructional and laboratory materials, experiments, demonstrations, and learning activities.
• Assist with management and operation of laser and photonics laboratory facilities and ensure safety compliance.
• Collaborate with faculty to integrate laser and photonics courses and lab experiences into programs.
• Engage with regional industry by delivering engineering and technology instruction and workforce training.
• Engage in research and grant development when possible.

Skills

Laser and photonics expertise

Strong communication skills

Instructional experience

Education

PhD in Physics, Engineering or related fields

Tools

Laser instrumentation

Job description

Department Name 8H090:OISTL/Engineering Distance Learning

Work Location

Work Location Paducah, KY

Salary Range

Salary Range Commensurate with Abilites and Experience

Type of Position

Type of Position Student

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

PhD in Physics, Engineering or related fields

Required Related Experience

See Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Required License/Registration/Certification

N/A

Physical Requirements

Some standing or walking,. Sitting at computer workstation for extended peirods. Repetitve motion. Lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 50 lbs.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (40 hours/week)

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Scholar will support the educational missions at the University of Kentucky Pigman College of Engineering Paducah Campus, with primary responsibilities in instruction and laboratory development in Laser and Photonics Engineering Technology.

The position will serve as an instructional faculty member within the Paducah program and contribute to the development, delivery, and expansion of laser and photonics education for students and industry partners.

Primary responsibilities include teaching courses related to optics, lasers, and photonics, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, laboratory-based learning. The Postdoctoral Scholar will develop instructional and laboratory materials, experiments, demonstrations, and other learning activities that provide students with practical experience using laser, photonics, optical, and related technologies. The position will also assist with the management and operation of laser and photonics laboratory facilities and help ensure compliance with applicable laboratory safety procedures and regulatory requirements.

The position will collaborate with faculty to develop and integrate laser and photonics courses and laboratory experiences as electives within existing engineering and engineering technology programs.

The position will also support the University’s engagement with regional industry by developing and delivering engineering and technology instruction and workforce training for industry partners.

Although not required, the Postdoctoral Scholar is highly encouraged to engage in research and grant development.

Funding will be renewed yearly, contingent upon performance and funding availability.

Employment may be subject to U.S. export control regulations.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Applicants should demonstrate strong technical expertise in laser and photonics science and engineering, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

PhD in Physics, Engineering or related fields

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/30/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

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