Postdoctoral Research Associate I (UPDATED)

Position Highlights Note: The target start date has been updated to June 22, 2026.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Optical Engineering to join our research group at James C Wyant College of Optical Sciences, the University of Arizona. The position focuses on optical metrology, precision fabrication, and system integration, with an emphasis on developing advanced optical systems for emerging imaging applications.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and implement optical metrology systems (e.g., interferometry, profilometry, wavefront sensing)
• Develop algorithms for optical metrology, including phase retrieval, surface reconstruction, and error analysis
• Perform high-accuracy measurement and quantitative characterization of optical surfaces and components
• Build data processing pipelines for metrology, including automation and statistical analysis
• Support optical system validation, alignment, and performance testing
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to publications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Optics. Applied Physics, or related field upon hire
• Strong background in optical metrology (e.g., interferometry, surface characterization, wavefront sensing)
• Hands-on experience with optical instrumentation and experimental methods
• Strong experience in data analysis and modeling
• Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with precision optical fabrication methods (e.g., diamond turning, polishing)
• Experience with freeform or aspheric optics characterization
• Experience with optical system alignment and performance evaluation
• Demonstrate knowledge of error budgeting and tolerance analysis
• Experience with integrating metrology into fabrication or system development workflow

FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 40 Job FTE 1.0 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Research Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience. Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE) Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date 6/22/2026 Expected End Date 12/31/2026 Contact Information for Candidates [email protected] Open Date 5/1/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [email protected].