We seek a postdoctoral researcher for a 2-year position at Colgate University to work on optical physics research with complex light.   The position is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.  We are interested in an experimental researcher with experience in optics, with preference given to those familiar with complex-light beams and associated hardware, such as spatial light modulators and parametric down-conversion.   Available facilities at Colgate include numerous types of lasers, spatial light modulators and other optical hardware, including 6 optical tables set up with ongoing classical and quantal studies.

The primary duties of this position involve designing and performing experiments on complex-light problems. Current ones include studies of non-diffractive “pendulum” beams to simulate quantum mechanical problems, studies of “Einstein beams” that follow gravitationally lensed trajectories, creating 3-d fields of spatially-variable polarization, and quantum imaging of spatial modes of single photons and their biomedical applications. This work will be done in collaboration with Prof. Enrique “Kiko” Galvez and Colgate University undergraduates. For those interested in eventually moving on to an academic position, the option exists to supervise undergraduate students in research and to be mentored in excellence in teaching within the curriculum at Colgate. 

Colgate is a highly-selective liberal arts university of 2900 students situated in the picturesque village of Hamilton, in central New York. The physics and astronomy department has nine faculty members housed in the new Ho Science Center, which is configured to facilitate interdisciplinary teaching and research. The department maintains well-equipped research laboratories in quantum and optical physics, condensed matter physics, superconducting electronics, computational physics, biophysics, planetary science, and observational astronomy. Please visit our website  for information regarding our facilities, programs and faculty expertise.

Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) as well as a short description of research experience that emphasizes work in optical physics research.  The CV should include research experience, publications, and the names of two individuals who have agreed to submit letters of recommendation.  Candidates should also arrange for letters from those individuals to be uploaded to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/program/17904 by the deadline below.  Letters should primarily address research, speaking to the candidate’s prior accomplishments and future potential.  Colgate strives to be a community supportive of diverse perspectives and identities. All applications should speak directly to the candidate’s ability to work effectively with colleagues and students across a wide range of identities and backgrounds. 

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, Protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, being or having been victims of domestic violence or stalking, familial status, or any other categories covered by law. Colgate University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups, women, persons with disabilities, and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.

For full consideration, applications should be uploaded to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/program/17904  by March 1, 2021; review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Email inquiries to Enrique Galvez (egalvez@colgate.edu) are welcome.