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

Posting Number: req25860

Department: James C Wyant Coll Optical Sci

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

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

Expected End Date: 12/31/2026

Contact Information for Candidates

HR-OPSC@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter