Job Details

Position: Postdoctoral Researcher – Thin Film Amorphous Materials for High-Power Lasers
Type: Full-Time, In-Person
Salary: $68,000 – $70,000 per year
Category: Physics / Electrical & Computer Engineering
Location: Fort Collins, CO
Work Hours: 40 hours/week
Application Deadline: 12/08/2025

Department & Research Unit

• Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Colorado State University

• Research Unit: RISE Hub – advanced coatings for laser fusion

• Focuses on synthesis, characterization, and testing of dielectric coatings for high-power UV and ultra-short pulse NIR lasers.

• ECE has strong cross-disciplinary collaboration with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Systems Engineering.

Position Overview

• Conduct independent research on novel thin film amorphous materials.

• Investigate physical mechanisms affecting coatings under intense illumination or corrosive environments.

• Implement optical diagnostics and optical metrology.

• Data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Mentor graduate/undergraduate students (optional).

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Chemistry, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or related field.

• Experience with optical metrology and lasers in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical diagnostic instrumentation

• Synthesis and characterization of materials

• Studies of laser-material interactions

• Mentoring graduate students

Responsibilities

• Research (95%): Conduct experimental and analytical work on coatings.

• Publishing & Administration (5%): Prepare reports, publications, presentations; mentor students.

Application Instructions

• Upload a cover letter addressing required and preferred qualifications, CV/resume, and contact info for three references. References will be contacted only with candidate permission.

• Contact: Brandon Bailey – brandon.bailey@colostate.edu

Benefits & Environment

• CSU offers a comprehensive benefits package and collaborative research environment.

• Fort Collins is highly ranked for quality of life, outdoor recreation, and tech industry opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

• CSU is committed to equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on any protected status.