"RESEARCH FELLOW"

We invite applications for two (2) research fellow positions in the fields of optical instrumentation and laser diagnostics involving applications of optical cavities, lasers, or long-range sensing. The Limbach group in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at UM performs research at the intersection of optical science, sensing, and aerospace applications. Our research program consists of two main thrusts, 1) the development and application of state-of-the-art laser and optical sensing techniques - both on the ground and in flight - to better understand plasmadynamics and hypersonic flow physics, and 2) the exploration of transformational concepts for in-space power and propulsion using innovative laser architectures and/or rarefied atomic beams.

The current posting covers two research fellow openings. One pertains to a new project funded through AFOSR directed toward fundamental research of space-based optical power, momentum, and data transfer. The second pertains to a NASA-funded project to design and fly an airborne water vapor Lidar sensor at supersonic speeds. In either role, the successful applicant will apply optical analysis techniques (theory, in-house codes, Zemax) to analyze the performance of laser and optical systems for the respective project. In the AFOSR project, the successful applicant will also develop a laboratory scale open-cavity laser and be responsible for the design and execution of experiments to characterize its performance and response to disturbances. In the NASA Lidar project, the applicant will employ various spectroscopic techniques, such as laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) and modulated spectroscopic methods (FMS, WMS), within bench test and field test setups of the Lidar DFB seed laser and thulium amplifier system near 1.9 microns. In both projects, the successful applicant will be responsible for synthesizing modeling and experimental data analysis and drafting high-quality manuscripts for publication.

Please visit the lab webpage https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/limbachlab

• Analyze and work with new optical and laser systems.
• Operate and maintain optical systems, lasers, and other experimental apparatuses.
• Interface with internal and external team members working in the group or on the same project.
• Disseminate research findings at conferences and symposia through posters, papers and presentations.
• Work alongside and provide guidance to junior team members, including graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement and execute fabrication and test plans for new optical and laser systems.
• Develop, apply and refine advanced models for optical and laser system performance.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, draw conclusions and publish findings in high-quality peer-reviewed academic journals.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• Strong background in optical science (in particular wave optics), laser physics, laser science, experimental methods, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, and data analysis.
• Ability for design and undertake experimental research, analyze results and prepare manuscripts for publication in high-quality academic journals.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Significant and demonstrated experience with laser and optical systems, especially optical cavities/resonators, custom laser design and/or MOPA lasers, as evidenced in a publication record.
• Experience with CW and pulsed (nanosecond, picosecond) laser systems, optical design and analysis (Zemax, Fourier optics), aero-optics and beam propagation, Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL), IR absorption spectroscopy, laser Rayleigh scattering, and/or scientific data acquisition systems.

Interested candidates should submit the following application materials directly to Professor Christopher Limbach at limbach@umich.edu:

• Cover letter detailing your research interests and career goals, including research accomplishments and how this position relates to future research plans (1-2 pages).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a list of publications.
• Contact information for at least two, and not more than three, professional references.

Review of applications will begin on 9/1/2025 and continue until the position is filled. A start date of February 2026 is anticipated.