Research Associate Physics
Core
Developing next-generation non-contact optical fabrication technologies for ion beam figuring (IBF) and atmospheric pressure plasma jet/figuring (APPJ/APPF) to enable damage-free mirror manufacturing with nanoscale resolution.
Role type
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Optics & Metrology)
Builds
Experimentally validated mirror demonstrations and advanced control systems for IBF and APPF processes.
Domain
Physics / Optics / Materials Science / Plasma Processing
Deliverable
production ML models | product features
Required skills
Optical surface characterization, energy-beam surface processing, statistical analysis, experimental design, physics-informed modeling, metrology tool application
Preferred skills
Surface/materials science background, IBF system design, machine learning for process optimization, control/instrumentation software proficiency
Technologies
AFM, SEM, interferometry, deflectometry, Python, C++, PyTorch, TensorFlow
Responsibilities
Design and test Einzel lens/diaphragm modules for real-time beam tuning; develop process recipes for high-efficiency surface figuring; establish plasma and thermal diagnostics; apply metrology tools to quantify figure and roughness; publish research findings.
Seniority
Postdoctoral, hands-on IC