Watt's Up

Today:  October 26, 2006 -- OSC Colloquium -- 3:30 p.m. -- Meinel 307
Bruce Dunn, Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles, will present Optical Biosensors Based on Sol-Gel Encapsulation Methods.  Abstract:  The flexible solution chemistry of the sol-gel process has been used to synthesize nanostructured materials based on the encapsulation of biomolecules in a transparent, inorganic matrix. It is now well established that the dopant biomolecules are immobilized in the mesoporous network and become part of the nanostructured architecture of the material.  In nearly all cases, the dopant biomolecules retain their spectroscopic properties and biological activity.  The resulting bio-hybrid materials have been widely explored as sensors with the biomolecule serving as both the biorecognition and transduction elements while the transparency of the matrix enables spectroscopic monitoring of the reactions.  In this presentation I will discuss our recent research on various biosensors for health monitoring.  One example is the use of immunoassay approaches where we have developed a thin film optical biosensor for cortisol, a steroid hormone which is one of the principal biomarkers for monitoring astronaut health.  I will also review related research where we are moving beyond the encapsulation of individual proteins and developing nanostructured systems and multi-functional materials.  The example to be discussed here is the use of a liposome/sol-gel architecture in which photo-induced proton pumping is able to generate ATP.

Coming Up:  October 27, 2006 -- OSC Sports Friday -- 5:00 p.m. -- Location is TBD

Coming Up:  October 28, 2006 -- OSC Fall Picnic -- 2:00 p.m. -- Ft. Lowell Park

Everyone is invited to attend the OSC Annual Fall Picnic on Saturday, October 28, at Ft. Lowell Park, 2900 N. Craycroft Road (NE corner of Glenn & Craycroft) Ramada #6.  The fun begins at 2:00 p.m. with a softball game between our graduate and undergraduate students, a visit with our special guest, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the first-ever public exhibit of Tucson's largest kaleidoscope.  There will also be a drawing for a free OSC t-shirt; to be eligible to enter, just wear a Halloween costume.  A picnic supper will be served from 4:30 to 5:30, so please bring a small dessert to share.  Our picnics are always family events, so please bring your family as well as your lucky softball glove, lawn chairs or a blanket, kites, and of course, Frisbees.  The picnic will conclude at 6:00.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Coming Up:  November 1, 2006 -- Practical Optics Seminar -- 2:00 p.m. -- Meinel 305

John Koshel of Lambda Research will present Illumination Engineering.  For more information, please visit www.optics.arizona.edu/opti696bx

Coming Up:  November 2, 2006 -- OSC Colloquium -- 3:30 p.m. -- Meinel 307

Coming Up:  November 2, 2006 -- KLA Info Session -- 6:00 p.m. -- Meinel 410

All engineering majors are welcome.  Please join KLA-Tencor for an evening of great information, learn about KLA-Tencor and network with the director of engineering.  Steve Lange, Director of Engineering at KLA-Tencor will be the speaker.  Food and drinks will be provided.   An iPod Shuffle will be raffled off  -- you must be present to win.  Bring a resume.  About KLA-Tencor:  KLA-Tencor is the world leader in yield management and process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing and related microelectronics industries.  KLA-Tencor's broad spectrum of products and services are used by every major semiconductor manufacturer. These customers turn to KLA-Tencor for in-line wafer defect monitoring, reticle and photomask defect inspection, CD SEM metrology, wafer overlay, film and surface measurement, and overall yield and fab-wide data analysis.

OSC Professor Harrison Barrett is Selected to Give COM's Founder's Day Lecture

From Nancy Preble, Program Coordinator, Sr., Gamma Ray Center.  The Department of Radiology is proud to announce that Dr. Harrison Barrett has been selected for the COM Founders Day Lecture. The Founders' Day Lectureship was established to recognize and honor College of Medicine faculty for their scientific accomplishments. Dr. Barrett was nominated in recognition of his long record of scientific achievements. He will make a presentation to commemorate the founding of the College of Medicine. Everyone is invited to attend on Friday, November 17, at noon, in DuVal Auditorium at UMC.  A light reception will follow the lecture.

UA Cares

From Will Rivera, OSC Director of Development.  Dear Colleagues:  The annual UA Cares Campaign has begun in support of the United Way and local charities. This is your opportunity to give to your favorite local charity in a coordinated effort with the entire university. As always you have the option of giving to the United Way in support of their partner charities; you may designate your own specific charity; or you may even give to any research area on campus.  Soon you will receive campaign information in your mailbox if you are designated as an employee of the university. Employee Link offers an easy and secure way to give should you decide not to use the forms provided. Please contact Cynthia Martinez, our UA Cares campus coordinator, for questions or assistance.  Thanks for your attention and remember that all donations are tax deductible.

 

Spring Semester Business Classes for Science and Engineering Students From Alaina Levine, Director of Special Projects, UA College of Science   PHYS/MATH/ENTR 595F PHYS/MATH/ENTR 595f - Topics in Entrepreneurship for Scientists.  Wed 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.  1 credit.  (494f - seniors: stay tuned. We may have a special section open for undergraduates this spring. Contact alaina@u.arizona.edu  for details.)  This course will present different topics in and aspects of entrepreneurship specifically for graduate students in science. The goals of the course are: to give students exposure to and understanding of the elements of the entrepreneurship process in scientific ventures to prepare them for scientific careers in industry, and/or to pursue the development of a new scientific venture; to introduce the connection between science, scientific innovation, and business in an entrepreneurial venture, and in scientific and high technology industries overall; to give students access to and detailed accounts from established entrepreneurs, scientists, business people, venture capitalists, intellectual property attorneys, and other industry leaders who have successfully created careers that combine science, business, and industry, or/and have been intimately involved in the scientific entrepreneurial process; to introduce the concept of technology transfer and its role in bringing scientific innovation to commercialization; to give students experience in “thinking like an entrepreneur” by developing and writing their own early stage business plan; to give students the opportunity to learn the resources available to an entrepreneur and how to take advantage of those resources.  Perks: Students get extensive interaction time and networking opportunities with scientific, business, and entrepreneurial leaders, attend industry functions, and have dinner with guest speakers from industry every week for free.  More info: http://psm.arizona.edu/content/entrepreneurshipcourse/index  Contact: Alaina Levine, alaina@u.arizona.edu 621-3374.    MKTG/ENTR 579:  Another Business Class for Science and Engineering Students Spring, 2007.  Summary of MKTG 579/ENTR 579, Marketing of Innovation, Steven Permut.  Meets Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. -6:00 p.m., room 134 MH.  Science and engineering students are encouraged to enroll.  Highlights from last year’s syllabus:  Overview:  This is an experiential course that focuses on one of the most difficult problem in new venture creation: how to bring cutting-edge technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace. It is designed to explore the application of market-based concepts and practices to the complex world of commercializing new discoveries in science and engineering, many of which are “leading edge” and/or “new to the world” innovations. In some cases, these represent “bench science” that is still in process with virtually no (or very limited) understanding of market opportunity or commercialization potential. In other cases, preliminary opportunity assessments exist, or preliminary alpha or beta market testing is in underway. For comparison, we will also look at a number of less esoteric examples of enhanced technologies that have a more clearly-understandable market niche.  The purpose of the course is to provide an opportunity for a select group of MBAs and graduate students in entrepreneurship, science and engineering fields to enhance their skills in formulating a market assessment and preliminary launch strategy for new and “really new” offerings.  It is an underlying premise of this course that managers alone cannot “solve” the technology transfer problem independently from the scientists / inventors, nor can the scientists / inventors independently “solve” the technology transfer problem without benefit of managers and business professionals. Optimizing the learning curve for all parties is one of our goals in order to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome in a timely and profitable manner.   For MBA students, a technical background is not required although this can often be an advantage; however, you do need to have a strong interest in applying your knowledge to help working scientists move their discoveries closer to commercial application. It is by having management students collaborate with working scientists and graduate students in engineering and the sciences on project teams that we are able to maximize our learning objectives across the board.  Course Objectives:  The course objectives are straight-forward: (1)  To gain an enhanced perspective on the problems and opportunities faced by those seeking to turn a laboratory innovation into a commercial opportunity.  (2)  To gain practical experience applying marketing concepts and approaches to the  process of bringing leading-edge and/or “new-to-the-world” innovations to preliminary commercialization; and (3)  To gain experience in assessing market opportunity for innovative products and services.  Format:  This semester, several research scientists will join us to discuss their current innovations in the fields of bionanotechnology, biosciences, and information technology. These interactive presentations and associated readings will provide a preview of both the science (in layman’s terms) and preliminary commercial opportunities to the extent possible. Participants in small teams will spend several weeks further exploring the market opportunities and challenges that might exist for each of these innovations. The scientists will then rejoin our class to react to and discuss each team’s findings.  The participation of scientists and topics to be covered is dependent on their availability and other scheduling constraints beyond our control. The course schedule and topics should therefore be viewed as preliminary and subject to continual change at any point during the semester. Flexibility and a willingness to accept scheduling changes must be agreed upon by all participants throughout the course.  Class sessions will also involve a combination of guest speakers on topics of relevance, lectures / discussions, and assigned readings­all of which should be of value in helping one think about how to bring innovations to the marketplace.  Session topics will reflect the following: issues in technology transfer (including patents, licensing, and non-disclosure agreements), identification of market needs and opportunities, understanding and forecasting the adoption process, measurement of customer perceptions, analysis of customer buying behavior, managing the new product process, developing a launch strategy and marketing plan, and marketing metrics to increase the probability of a successful end result.   Contact: Steven Permut, Dept of Marketing, Sr. Lecturer and Eller Entrepreneurship Scholar.  323 MH.  office 626.7492.  sep@eller.arizona.edu

Happy Birthday

Watt's Happening

more at
http://www.optics.arizona.edu/calendar/default.htm)

Employment Opportunities in Optics

more at

http://www.optics.arizona.edu/employment/nationalopenings.htm

 

College of Optical Sciences.  University of Arizona Links to employment opportunities within the College of Optical Sciences can be found at http://www.optics.arizona.edu/Employment/osc.asp  Complete  position descriptions and application procedures are included within each employment opening.

Adaptive Optics Operations Engineer.  Trex Enterprises.  Maui, Hawaii.  Trex Enterprises has an immediate opening for an adaptive optics operations engineer on Maui in Hawaii.  Trex is seeking science or engineering graduates with excellent problem solving skills to support the operation, maintenance, and upgrade of the visible adaptive optics system on the AOES 3.6 Meter telescope on top of Haleakala on Maui.  Candidates will need solid problem solving skills, good writing skills, and must be able to work well on a team with minimal supervision.  Applicants must be willing to work at 10,000 ft and support unusual hours.  This entry level engineering position will provide an excellent introduction to electro-optics and observatory work, including telescope systems, adaptive optics, and instrumentation.  Responsibilities:  Provide engineering support to telescope operators for daily function of visible AO system for regular tasking, visiting experiments, and special missions; Perform regular and failure driven maintenance on AO system, coordinating efforts of operators and engineering specialists (Software, EE, Optics, Mechanical) to minimize downtime; Support upgrade of AO Systems with R&D engineers and scientists, to include data collection, hardware installation, and resource coordination; Support design of other telescope and electro-optical systems within Trex through application of operational experience; Report on operational aspects of telescope performance to various customers; Write, organize, and distribute documentation to enhance system operation and efficiency; Create software tools for telescope data processing, operator productivity, and engineering analysis. Requirements:  BS in Science, Engineering or related field, or 5 years of equivalent experience; Strong inquiry-based problem solving and scientific skills; Hands-on experience with complex electronics, computers, and software systems; Willingness to work at 10,000 feet on a daily basis; Willingness to work unusual hours in support of telescope operations; Good team, group, and presentation skills; Strong written and oral communication skills; Programming experience (MATLAB, C/C++, IDL) a plus.  US Citizenship and the ability to gain security clearance required.  We provide our employees an attractive benefits package including health, dental and vision care, income and survivor protection, a 401(k) retirement plan and vacation.  About Trex Enterprises:  Trex Enterprises Corporation (Trex) is a diversified high-technology company specializing in cutting-edge technical solutions and products to improve performance across the electromagnetic spectrum. We have developed a strong base of proprietary technologies in microwave sensing, high resolution imaging, digital signal processing, applied optics and materials. Our fundamental business strategy is the development of dual-use technologies.  We receive U.S. government support for programs relating to the defense, homeland security and force protection needs of our Nation and allies.  http://www.trexenterprises.com/index.html  To apply, please send your resume to: Nick Amicone:  namicon@trexenterprises.com, and Daron Nishimoto:  dnishimoto@trexhawaii.com

Senior Engineer/Technical Manager.  Kiara Technologies.  Company Description: Kiara Technologies, Inc. is a photonics company in Albuquerque, NM, and Elkridge, MD.  Kiara’s business focus is on specialty fibers, fiber sensors, fiber lasers, and subsystems for sensing, medical, industrial, and defense applications. Kiara is adding several positions over the next few months in both locations, and is seeking highly talented individuals with interest or experience in specialty fiber fabrication, fiber-optic sensors, and high power fiber and solid-state lasers. Kiara’s compensation includes a competitive base salary and a comprehensive benefits package.  Responsibilities:  • Lead the design, fabrication and characterization of specialty fibers.  • Lead the technical and market development of products based on specialty fibers, including fiber and solid-state lasers, tunable fiber-optic components and fiber sensors.  • Oversee project management and the achievement of milestones on time.  • Acquire new customers, both federal and commercial.  Position Requirements (three or more of the following skills are necessary):  • Experience or detailed knowledge of specialty fiber fabrication (CVD, micro-structured, etc).  • Experience (4+ years) in fiber sensors, fiber lasers & amplifiers, solid-state lasers, and other all-fiber components and applications.  • Education: Ph.D or B.S. + 5 years work experience relating to fiber optics, lasers, and in closely related engineering and applied physics disciplines.  • Demonstrated record of accomplishments (patents, publications, product/application experience) in photonics/fiber optics.  • Demonstrated record of technical project management abilities.  • Experience in leading small (5–10 person) R&D & technology development groups.  • Experience in the writing of successful R&D proposals.  If interested, please email your resume (along with references, if available) to:  neena@kiaranetworks.com

Supervisory Physicist (AST, Optical Physics).  NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.  Job Announcement Number GS06B0301.  Salary range:  107,521.00 - 139,774.00 USD per year.  Series and grade:  GS-1310-15.  Promotion Potential:  15.  Open period:  Wednesday, September 27, 2006 to Friday, October 27, 2006.  Position information:  Full-time permanent appointment.  Duty Location:  1 vacancy - Prince George's County.  Who may be considered:  This announcement is open to all qualified U.S citizens. This announcement combines a merit promotion and a competitive announcement in one advertisement. Applications will be accepted from status and non-status candidates. Status candidates, including NASA term employees eligible for conversion under the NASA Flexibility Act of 2004, will be considered under merit promotion procedures. Non-status candidates will be considered under competitive procedures.  Job summary:  The world's leader in space and aeronautics is always seeking outstanding scientists, engineers, and other talented professionals to carry forward the great discovery process that its mission demands. Creativity. Ambition. Safety awareness. A sense of daring. And a probing mind. That’s what it takes to join the NASA team.  The incumbent of this position serves as the Optics Branch Head in providing optical engineering and technology expertise to instrument development teams, study teams, and proposal teams to enable the end-to-end conceptualization and development of telescopes and optical instruments for Earth and Space Science spaceflight missions. This person markets the capabilities of the Optics Branch to internal and external customers and leads initiatives to bring new optics work to NASA/GSFC.  NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is located within the City of Greenbelt, Maryland, approximately 6.5 miles northeast of Washington, D. C. The suburban campus is situated approximately 1 mile northeast of the Capital Beltway/Interstate 495 and is accessible by Metro. The workforce on the Center is diverse and spirited, working with passion and enthusiasm to produce quality results. The Center's core values of agility, balance, creativity, dedication, integrity, respect, and teamwork are woven into all that we do. The Center offers free parking on-site, flexible work schedules, telecommuting opportunities, Family Friendly leave, Employee Assistance Program, employee clubs and organizations, as well as job-related and academic training opportunities. The following facilities are available on-site: ATMs, credit union, cafeterias, post office, employee store, fitness facility, health unit, nursing mothers rooms, Visitor's Center and gift shop. For a detailed look at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and NASA visit: http://pao.gsfc.nasa.gov  This announcement is readvertised. Candidates who applied under the previous announcement (GS06C0262) need not reapply to receive consideration. As of October 1, 2005, NASA uses the USAJobs resume as the basic application document. Resumes created on the NASA resume builder will no longer be accepted. NASA limits resumes to the equivalent of about six typed pages, or approximately 22,000 characters (including spaces). You cannot complete the application process if your USAJobs resume is too long. More information about the NASA application process is also available under the "How to Apply" section of this announcement.  Key requirements:  A one-year probationary period may be required.  A one-year supervisory probationary period may be required.   For a complete list of duties, qualifications and evaluations, benefits and other information and instructions on how to apply, please visit http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobId=48147338&AVSDM=2006%2D09%2D27+00%3A01%3A02&TabNum=1&rc=6

Principal Scientist.  Agency listing on behalf of a client company.  Direct Hire.  Company: The Talley Group.  Location: Seattle, WA.  Contact: Matt Sawicki.  E-mail: sawickim@thetalleygroup.com  Phone: (425)753-5061.  Laser technology company - develops and manufactures laser technologies for industrial, medical, government and OEM applications. We are seeking an innovative Program Manager to solve challenging problems and guide the design and development of custom laser products. Must be a US citizen or green card holder.  Responsibilities:  Provide project and technical leadership for programs focused on leading edge laser research and converting their research to application ready technology. Resolve complex technical problems and design innovative prototype equipment and diode including, but not limited to pumped solid-state, fiber and/or external cavity laser products.  Generate revenue through winning government and commercial contracts.  Develop and enhance companies technical expertise and business opportunities.  Works on extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or addresses broad design issues of future products or technologies, analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangible variance factors.  Maintains liaison with individuals and units within and outside the project, with responsibility for acting independently on technical matters pertaining to own field. Requirements:  Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) or equivalent; or more than 10 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, differential equation, modern algebra, and advanced statistical methods. Competency with modeling and analytical tools such as Mathcad, Fortran, Igor and Easy Plot.  Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.  Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases.  Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.  Specific experience should include work with diode lasers, diode pumped solid state lasers, non-linear optics, and/or fiber lasers. Fiber laser experience should include work with high-power CW or pulsed fiber lasers, including the characterization, handling, and the testing of diode pump sources, fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers.  Experience in taking prototype lasers to packaged devices is a plus.

Program Manager.  Agency listing on behalf of a client company.  Direct Hire.  Company: The Talley Group.  Location: Seattle, WA.  Contact: Matt Sawicki.  E-mail: sawickim@thetalleygroup.com  Phone: (425)753-5061.  Laser technology company - develops and manufactures laser technologies for industrial, medical, government and OEM applications. We are seeking an innovative Program Manager to solve challenging problems and guide the design and development of custom laser products. Must be a US citizen or green card holder.  Responsibilities:  Plan and manage Research and/or Product Development projects in terms of scheduling staffing needs, including mechanical, optical and electrical engineering support, technician support, material planning, and supplier management.  Work closely with technical leads to determine status, risks, and develop program plan to mitigate risks, such as long lead parts, or high pay-off but risky technology.  Work closely with customers, understand their needs, and manage their expectations. Requirements:  Bachelors of Science Degree with minimum 5 years managing multiple projects.  5 years minimum technical experience, preferably in an R&D engineering/optics environment or product development environment. Experience in a laser manufacturing a plus.  Must be a strong leader and be able to motivate people in a team setting.  Experience in taking prototype products to packaged devices.  Must possess strong organizational and project management skills and good understanding of analytical techniques.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.  Must be a US citizen or green card holder; security clearance, a plus.