Watt's Up

College of Optical Sciences News for August 9, 2007

 

 


 

Help Make OSC Green (the color of money)

 

Make a difference by recycling your office paper, soda cans, and plastic water bottles instead of throwing them into your wastebasket.  To encourage recycling, UA has given us three new recycle containers:  one for office paper, one for aluminum cans, and a third one for both aluminum cans and plastic bottles.  All three are located on the fourth floor next to the vending machines and right between two of our back doors.

 

Everyone's asked to help make OSC green by contributing to UA's recycling program.  Recycling only office paper, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles might not seem like much, but according to Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, it's well worth the effort. 

 

High-quality office paper, the kind we all use in our printers and copiers, is wonderful stuff to recycle because it can be made into almost any kind of new paper product including stationery, newsprint, magazines, books, or more office paper.  Paper that is recycled several times will eventually break down as the fibers shorten and the material becomes less versatile, so it is subject to downcycling and may eventually be used in composting or other soil-improving materials.

 

Your empty soda cans can be recycled into just about any aluminum product:  there is virtually no difference between products made with recycled aluminum and those made with new aluminum -- except that products made with recycled aluminum use far less energy to make.  An aluminum can may be recycled indefinitely and will not break down over time or from repeated processing, making your empty soda can one of our most valuable recyclable commodities.

 

Plastics are a bit more complex to recycle than either aluminum or paper, but still worth the effort.  Because of the risk of contamination with bleach or soap used during the recycling process, plastic soda bottles are not recycled back into more plastic soda bottles unless the recycled plastic is sandwiched between two layers of new plastic.  More often, your plastic soda bottles will be made into fiber and reincarnated as detergent bottles, carpets, clothes, sleeping bags, and other non-food items.

 

In addition to the three recycle bins by the back doors, there are several others at strategic points around our building.  Please use them.  But if you don't spot a recycle bin conveniently near your office or lab, please take your recyclables with you at the end of the day and drop them into one of the fourth floor recycle bins on your way out the door.

 


 

Open Enrollment Begins on Monday

 

Open enrollment for benefits eligible UA employees begins Monday, August 13 and ends on Monday, September 10.  This year, all employees must re-enroll in the programs they wish to continue.  To re-enroll, log onto Employee Link and select Open Enrollment from the menu on the left.

 

UA invites all employees to attend an open enrollment benefits fair on August 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the North Ballroom of the Student Union.

 

For more information, visit http://www.benefitoptions.az.gov.

 


 

Happy Birthday

 

August 13

 

Matthew Kupinski (mkupinski@optics.arizona.edu)
Dan Nguyen (dnguyen@optics.arizona.edu)
Prasanthi Peketi (prasanthipeketi@hotmail.com)

August 15

 

Michihisa Onishi (monishi@optics.arizona.edu)

August 16

 

Julian Sweet (jsweet@optics.arizona.edu)

August 17

 

Charles Falco (falco@U.Arizona.EDU)

August 18

 

Jim Burge (jburge@optics.arizona.edu)
Kim Larsen (kwlarsen@email.arizona.edu)
Murray Sargent (murrays@microsoft.COM)

August 19

 

Eugene Cochran (ecochran@rctech.com)

 


 

 

8/13/2007:  New Graduate Student Orientation:  Room 307
 

8/20/200:  Classes Begin - Fall 2007
 

8/26/2007 - 8/30/2007:  SPIE - Optics & Photonics Conference:  San Diego, CA
 

8/27/2007:  Alumni Reunion:  San Diego Marriott Hotel
 

9/03/2007:  HOLIDAY - Labor Day (NO CLASSES)
 

9/06/2007:  Optical Sciences Colloquium:  Room 307
 

9/16/2007 - 9/20/2007:  OSA - Frontiers in Optics Conference:  San Jose , CA
 

9/25/2007 - 9/26/2007:  Comprehensive Exams
 

10/27/2007:  Fall Picnic:  Ft. Lowell Park
 

11/12/2007:  HOLIDAY - Veterans Day (NO CLASSES)
 

11/22/2007 - 11/23/2007:  HOLIDAY - Thanksgiving (NO CLASSES)
 

12/05/2007:  Classes End - Fall 2007
 

12/07/2007 :  Final Exams Begin - Fall 2007
 

12/14/2007:  Final Exams End - Fall 2007
 

12/15/2007:  Winter Commencement

 

Employment Opportunities with OSC Industrial Affiliate Companies

 

Manager, Optical Sciences.  Vistakon.

# 0709126.  Contact Jean Vickers, Vistakon Recruiter, j.vickers@comcast.net  508-497-497-3635.  Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. as a US Citizen, a current H1-B Visa holder, a Permanent Resident of the U.S. or a Canadian Citizen who can be hired on a TN Visa.  VISTAKON®, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. manufactures ACUVUE® brand contact lenses—the world’s first soft disposable contact lens.  Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, VISTAKON®, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, is a worldwide company with operations in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and Europe/Middle East/Africa regions.  Research, innovation and new-product development are the focus of our organization. Since we introduced soft disposable contact lenses in 1988, no other manufacturer has matched the aggressive expansion of our wide-ranging ACUVUE® family of products.   Our associates around the world are committed to expanding the ACUVUE® brand, and fortifying our position as the worldwide leader in the contact lens industry.  To assist us with the growth of our contact lens business, we are seeking a Manager, Optical Sciences. The Manager is primarily accountable for the Contact Lens Design group activities.  Responsibilities:  Enabling staff and providing technical leadership to develop innovative contact lens designs (both optical and mechanical) for new and existing product concepts. In this role, the Manager is responsible for advancing optical and mechanical design capabilities through mentoring employees, overseeing the continued development of in-house software and modeling functionality, working with both internal and external partners, and proactively supporting Project Managers.  Provides direction and leadership for the development of new and innovative contact lens design initiatives.  Manages, motivates and mentors technical employees by providing leadership and support for innovative technical improvements and personal development.  Interfaces with all departments and divisions associated in developing new products. Assists Project Managers in the planning, execution and resource allocation for contact lens design projects.  Develops departmental OGSMs. Reviews and analyzes departmental and personnel performance and efficiencies against OGSMs. Staff development and performance administration.  Design R&D Leadership Team member setting strategic direction and activities.  Complies with all safety and environmental initiatives.  Performs other related duties as assigned by management.  Prepares departmental budgets and operates within approved budget.  We are dedicated to serving the needs of our customers by bringing healthy vision to everyone, everywhere, every day. Qualifications:  A minimum of a Masters Degree in a Technical/Scientific field, such as Optics, Visual Science, Physics, related engineering required. Phd preferred.  A minimum of 5 years experience either managing a diverse engineering group and/or as a Project Manager with a good understanding of technology planning, budgeting, and project execution is required.  A successful candidate is required to have broad familiarity with optical design principles and software platforms such as ZEMAX®  or OSLO®.  Must be experienced in the development and implementation of optical metrology, particularly interferometry and wavefront sensing.  Familiarity with systems engineering, optical manufacturing, and ophthalmic optics is a plus.  Proven success in developing and launching products/processes is required.  Work experience in a high-volume, product driven R&D environment is highly desirable.  Experience in FDA regulated environment is preferred.  Proven leadership skills including motivating, negotiating and providing direction in a Team environment is required.  Requires complete command of standard and advanced principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in the technical field and various other related disciplines.  Must be able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and to facilitate and resolve cross-functional activities and issues. Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.  Knowledge and understanding of budgeting, and finance and resource planning is required.  Excellent planning, organization and time management skills.  Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.  Strong computer skills (network and PC) is required.  Ability to travel is required.  If you’re an achiever eager to reach your highest potential, you’ll appreciate how Johnson & Johnson Vision Care helps you define and pursue a career path that matches your abilities, experience and desire to achieve. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just beginning your career, think about the benefits of building your future with a company that offers a breadth of opportunities across business segments and worldwide regions. Come see why we have earned a reputation for being an innovative market leader and why Johnson & Johnson is the employer of choice.  Please go to: http://www.jnj.com/careers/global/index.htm  and apply for position 0709126 — Manager, Optical Sciences. 

 

Vistakon Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

is an Optical Sciences Industrial Affiliate at the Principal Partners level.

 

 

Other Employment Opportunities in Optics

 

more at

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

 


 

Astronomical Optics Scientist.  JWST.  The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a world-class, space-based astronomical observatory scheduled for launch in 2013. It will revolutionize many branches of astrophysics by achieving unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution in the near and mid-infrared regions of the spectrum. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) will perform the science operations of JWST for NASA. As part of this responsibility it will have to ensure that the telescope and its 6.5m segmented primary mirror deliver the best possible images to allow JWST to carry out the science for which it was designed.  In this context, STScI is seeking an optics engineer or scientist who will provide technical, scientific and computational expertise and leadership relating to the characterization of the optical systems of JWST. The Astronomical Optics Scientist will perform physical optics modeling to predict telescope alignment and wavefront quality, and will perform phase retrieval and other optical and astronomical analysis methods to model and analyze simulated, test, or astronomical data. He/she will perform optical and scientific assessment of telescope performance, both during Integration & Testing and following launch. The Astronomical Optics Scientist may also be involved in the STScI support of the Hubble Space Telescope or other missions.  The position requires advanced knowledge of physical optics, the ability to create and manipulate optical models of complex systems, practical knowledge of phase retrieval and image reconstruction methods, good working knowledge of commonly used optical modeling software packages, and substantial programming skills in high-level languages. The candidate will work in collaboration with experts in a wide range of areas from across STScI and other partner institutions, and will need the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, to work effectively in cross-disciplinary teams, and to communicate effectively through preparation of reports, articles, and talks.  The successful candidate will possess a Master's degree in optics, or a Bachelor's or higher level degree in another field but with equivalent experience in optical analysis. He/she should have five or more years of technical experience in the analysis of optical systems relevant to astronomical telescopes; experience in optical or astronomical software development or data analysis; and a record of publications, reports or achievements that documents this work and its quality. A PhD degree, some experience in a leadership role, and experience in astronomical data reduction and research, would all be considered a plus.  STScI offers a dynamic work environment with an opportunity to participate in the next generation of space science and discovery. Some fraction of the time can be used to conduct independent research, when grants or other means are available to support this. We offer a highly competitive benefits and compensation package.   Candidates should also arrange for three letters of recommendation a list of publications or reports; and a statement discussing expertise and past experience in the subject areas relevant to the position. to be sent directly to the same email address. Applications received by September 15, 2007 will receive full consideration. To discuss the position or to obtain additional information, please contact Dr. Roeland van der Marel at marel@stsci.edu . Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.   Space Telescope Science Institute, ATTN: Human Resources,Req #593 , 3700 San Martin Drive, Baltimore, MD 21218.  E-mail to: execjob@stsci.edu  EOE/AA/M/F/D/V.

 


 

Graduate Research Assistant in Biomedical Imaging Technology (ultrasound, optics, RF).  University of Arizona Experimental Ultrasound and Neural Imaging Laboratory (EUNIL).  The Experimental Ultrasound and Neural Imaging Laboratory is currently seeking Graduate Research Assistants to join a diverse team of engineers, basic scientists and clinicians dedicated to developing novel imaging techniques and technology for biomedical applications ranging from epilepsy to cancer. These approaches use ultrasound, light and/or radiofrequency to enhance contrast and resolution in biological tissue.  Imaginative graduate students with solid engineering skills are encouraged to apply.   We especially seek those with a strong background in biomedical instrumentation and signal/image processing; programming experience with Matlab, C/C++ and/or Labview is a big plus.   Please send the following items to rwitte@radiology.arizona.edu in pdf format and use "GRA position inquiry" in the subject line:  Curriculum Vitae with relevant coursework taken.  Contact information for three references.  ~½ to 1 page describing qualifications, research interests and career goals.  Contact:  Russell Witte, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Radiology, P.O. Box 245067, 1609 N. Warren Ave. Bldg 211, Rm 124, Tucson, AZ 85724.  520-626-0346. rwitte@radiology.arizona.edu   Experimental Ultrasound and Neural Imaging Laboratory:  http://www.radiology.arizona.edu/research/ultra/ultra.htm

 


 

Optical Engineer.  CDM Optics.  The Senior Optical Engineer will be involved in the design, fabrication and testing of optical/digital imaging systems testing of optical/digital imaging systems as well as technical management of projects and programs in the True Focus® team.   Must be willing to travel.  Must be willing to author technical writings. Must adhere to strict confidentiality and proprietary practices and policies.  Minimum Education and Experience:  Prefer a Masters Degree in optical engineering or in a related filed with a strong emphasis in optics.  Applicant should have 5 years of optical and lens design experience, physical optics, optical system modeling, tolerancing and optical analysis as well as signal processing.  Required Skills:  Must have proven optical design and algorithm skills, lens design experience using Zemax or equivalent lens design software.  Must have programming experience using Matlab, C++, or equivalent.  Qualified Candidate must be willing to tackle hard problems by applying creative thinking processes and therefore providing solutions to unique problems.  CDM Optics, a wholly owned subsidiary of OmniVision Technologies, Inc., is a highly innovative digital imaging company developing new technologies capable of fundamentally changing the design and applications of digital imaging systems. Located in Boulder, Colorado, CDM Optics is currently seeking the right qualified candidate(s) for the following open job position(s). Any Offer of employment is contingent upon the results of a successful background check.   CDM offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including: stock options, 4 weeks of vacation and 10 paid holidays, a 401K plan, medical/dental, vision coverage, and tuition reimbursement.  The environment is stimulating and rewarding, excellent advancement opportunities and a wide variety of projects and assignments.  Qualified candidates can e-mail their resume and cover letter to hrd@cdm-optics.com. CDM Optics is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

 


 

Senior Optical Engineer.  CDM Optics.  Job Summary: The Senior Optical Engineer will be involved in the design, fabrication and testing of optical/digital imaging systems testing of optical/digital imaging systems as well as technical management of projects and programs in the True Focus® team.   Must be willing to travel.  Must be willing to author technical writings. Must adhere to strict confidentiality and proprietary practices and policies.  Minimum Education and Experience:  Prefer a Masters Degree in optical engineering or in a related filed with a strong emphasis in optics.  Applicant should have 5 years of optical and lens design experience, physical optics, optical system modeling, tolerancing and optical analysis as well as signal processing.  Required Skills:  Must have proven optical design and algorithm skills, lens design experience using Zemax or equivalent lens design software.  Must have programming experience using Matlab, C++, or equivalent.  Qualified Candidate must be willing to tackle hard problems by applying creative thinking processes and therefore providing solutions to unique problems.  CDM Optics, a wholly owned subsidiary of OmniVision Technologies, Inc., is a highly innovative digital imaging company developing new technologies capable of fundamentally changing the design and applications of digital imaging systems. Located in Boulder, Colorado, CDM Optics is currently seeking the right qualified candidate(s) for the following open job position(s). Any Offer of employment is contingent upon the results of a successful background check.   CDM offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including: stock options, 4 weeks of vacation and 10 paid holidays, a 401K plan, medical/dental, vision coverage, and tuition reimbursement.  The environment is stimulating and rewarding, excellent advancement opportunities and a wide variety of projects and assignments.  Qualified candidates can e-mail their resume and cover letter to hrd@cdm-optics.com. CDM Optics is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

 


 

cathy.alexander@optics.arizona.edu

University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences