[Hiring] Research Physicist @Core4ce

Role Description

The Complex Engineered Materials (CEM) Research Group at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) in Dayton, OH is looking for a qualified research-grade postdoctoral candidate with experience in the areas of optics, photonics, and electromagnetics to support a research effort relating to design, fabrication and characterization of metasurfaces and metamaterials, with particular focus on developing new nanofabrication techniques to enable multilayer metasurfaces.

This research opportunity involves:

• Design, fabrication, and characterization of optical frequency metasurfaces and metamaterials.
• Working as a contractor with an interdisciplinary team of researchers.
• Developing/leveraging expertise in the cleanroom to fabricate metasurfaces and characterize their performance.
• Focusing on developing and tailoring fabrication approaches for multilayer metasurfaces and other complex paradigms.
• Engaging in the design and simulation of novel materials/devices.

Working at AFRL offers a unique opportunity to:

• Address important, long-term challenges guiding research efforts.
• Collaborate in an environment that encourages publication in top journals and conference attendance.
• Work with internal and external teammates, customers, and partners to create objectives and work plans.
• Review designs, support experimentation, and transition technical designs.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Optics, Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience with cleanroom and other nanofabrication techniques applied to metasurface fabrication.
• Experience with optical benchtop measurements, particularly measurements of optical metasurfaces.
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn broader deposition and thin film characterization techniques.
• Proficiency or willingness to learn soft-lithography techniques, such as nanoimprint lithography.
• Experience with COMSOL, Lumerical, and/or HFSS.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in advanced data analysis and visualization.
• Ability to work independently and in a group setting.
• Proficiency or willingness to learn Python; desired experience with scientific Python packages including NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, scikit, and pandas.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen.
• Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to a classified environment.
• Must be able to work in an office environment at a desk and computer using a keyboard and mouse; potential for remote work/work-from-home.
• Must be able to work in a lab environment.
• Must be able to lift or carry up to 25 pounds.
• May travel ~10% to conferences, program reviews, industry meetings, or other collaborative events (most or all travel would be CONUS).
• This position is designed to be flexible, with responsibilities evolving to meet business needs and enable individual growth.

Benefits

• 401(k) with 100% company match on the first 6% deferred, with immediate vesting.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage—employee portion paid 100% by Core4ce.
• Unlimited access to training and certifications, with no pre-set cap on eligible professional development.
• Tuition assistance for job-related degrees and courses.
• Paid parental leave, PTO that grows with tenure, and generous holiday schedules.
• Opportunity to propose bold innovations through The Forge, with internal backing.