The University of Denver is a medium-size (12,000 students) private university located in a thriving metropolis at the base of the Rocky Mountains. The Department of Physics and Astronomy employs diverse and dynamic full-time faculty of 12, including 4 women. We provide an attentive, hands-on research and learning environment for students up to the PhD level. Our student population comprises about 50 undergraduates and 20-25 graduate students. The program is recognized by the APS among US PhD-granting departments for our high percentage (50%) of female graduates: placing second nationally at the undergraduate level and third at the graduate level (APS data for the period 2011-2013). More information about the department can be found at http://www.physics.du.edu.

Position Summary

Candidates for a postdoctoral fellow are sought to carry out research on propagation of custom structured laser light. This position is part of a project in the group of Professor Mark Siemens in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Denver.

The duration of the project is approximately 2-3 years with the possibility to be extended.

Essential Functions

Primary research will involved building and running novel experiments studying the propagation of structured light as a member of the topological fluids of light group, in vibrant collaboration with theoretical physicists at the Colorado School of Mines (group of Prof. Mark Lusk).

The expected division of labor is 80% conducting and disseminating research, 10% contributing to proposal writing and reporting activities, and 10% advising and mentoring of graduate and undergraduate researchers.

The PD is expected to be an active and supportive member of the Siemens group and the Department of Physics and Astronomy, maintaining a high level of communication with its members, as well as publishing results in a timely manner and presenting annually at one or more professional conferences (travel funding is available).


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data
• Critical eye towards consistency and reproducibility
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the work place
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills as exemplified by a strong publication record
• Team player with an excellent work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and high intrinsic self-motivation to learn and work in the lab

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science & engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Experience constructing and implementing optical measurements and/or applying them to investigate complex light-matter interaction phenomena

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in design and precision control of structured light
• Working theoretical background knowledge of and/or experience with developing advanced models to simulate optical propagation

Working Environment

1. Standard laboratory environment.
2. Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
3. Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) on August 1, 2019.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Range:
Salary will be determined by the qualifications of the selected candidate balanced with departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

Please include the following documents with your application:
1. C.V.
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military/ veteran status or any other status protected by law.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.