Postdoctoral Research Associate I (UPDATED) | Wyant College of Optical Sciences

Today
Posting Numberreq25860
DepartmentJames C Wyant Coll Optical Sci
Department Website Link 
LocationTucson Campus
AddressTucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights

Note: The target start date has been updated to June 22, 2026.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Optical Engineering to join our research group at James C Wyant College of Optical Sciences, the University of Arizona. The position focuses on optical metrology, precision fabrication, and system integration, with an emphasis on developing advanced optical systems for emerging imaging applications.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Design and implement optical metrology systems (e.g., interferometry, profilometry, wavefront sensing) 
  • Develop algorithms for optical metrology, including phase retrieval, surface reconstruction, and error analysis 
  • Perform high-accuracy measurement and quantitative characterization of optical surfaces and components 
  • Build data processing pipelines for metrology, including automation and statistical analysis 
  • Support optical system validation, alignment, and performance testing 
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to publications

     
Minimum Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Optics.  Applied Physics, or related field upon hire
  • Strong background in optical metrology (e.g., interferometry, surface characterization, wavefront sensing) 
  • Hands-on experience with optical instrumentation and experimental methods 
  • Strong experience in data analysis and modeling
  • Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications 

     
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with precision optical fabrication methods (e.g., diamond turning, polishing)
  • Experience with freeform or aspheric optics characterization
  • Experience with optical system alignment and performance evaluation
  • Demonstrate knowledge of error budgeting and tolerance analysis
  • Experience with integrating metrology into fabrication or system development workflow
FLSAExempt
Full Time/Part TimeFull Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week40
Job FTE1.0
Work CalendarFiscal
Job CategoryResearch
Benefits EligibleYes - Full Benefits
Rate of PayNIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience.
Compensation Typesalary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies1
Target Hire Date6/22/2026
Expected End Date12/31/2026
Contact Information for CandidatesHR-OPSC@arizona.edu
Open Date5/1/2026
Open Until FilledYes
Documents Needed to ApplyCurriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant 
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety ReportIn compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

Apply online