Laser Research Scientist at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio

Job Description:

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Job Title:Laser Research ScientistDepartment:ERIK | National eXtreme Ultrafast Science

The Laser Research Scientist will contribute to the operation and maintenance of the NeXUS facility, leading the use, maintenance, and advancement of the ultrafast laser systems and high harmonic generation (HHG) systems. NSF NeXUS is a state-of-the-art user facility dedicated to studying electron dynamics using ultrafast optical pulses (infrared to extreme ultraviolet (XUV)/soft x-rays) and a variety of measurement instrumentation. The NeXUS system includes three beamlines, with tailored ultrafast light in each, and four end stations, each supporting a distinct analysis approach. NeXUS is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and hosted at The Ohio State University.

The major subsystems of the NeXUS system are:

• Customized laser systems to deliver infrared to ultraviolet ultrafast pulses at high repetition rates (up to 10 MHz) and high average power (up to 1 kW).


• Three beamlines (using HHG to generate extreme ultraviolet (XUV)) coupling multiple light sources to the end stations.


• A commercial scanning tunneling microscope (STM) end station.


• A commercial angle resolved photoelectron spectrometer (ARPES) end station.


• An x-ray absorption/x-ray reflection spectrometer end station.


• A double time-of-flight mass spectrometer that supports time-resolved ionization measurements (laser induced electron diffraction, RABBITT) end station.

The Laser Research Scientist will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and advancement of the laser systems. The laser systems currently consist of a commercial high power, high rep rate, fiber-based, ultrafast laser; several custom multi-pass cells for pulse compression; a commercial OPA for generating alternative wavelengths; and custom SHG and THG systems. The mix of laser systems, and how they are used together, are planned to expand as NeXUS continues to develop. The lasers are used, in part, to drive XUV generation using HHG. The Research Scientist will have expert knowledge of the underlying physical principles of the laser systems, HHG, and optical engineering.

The Laser Research Scientist will support NeXUS users in planning and conducting experiments using the NeXUS Facility. NeXUS is a user facility, and most of the experiments executed at NeXUS will be driven by user proposals. The Research Scientist will work with these users and with other NeXUS staff to ensure experiments are conducted safely and effectively in limited time periods during a user visit. During a user visit, the Research Scientist will support a flexible operating schedule by either an early scheduled start or late scheduled finish.

The Laser Research Scientist will maintain expert knowledge and skills that are on the forefront of ultrafast lasers and ultrafast x-rays. The Research Scientist will propose experiments, hardware development, software development, and tests that advance these fields and benefit capabilities at NeXUS. The research scientist will be expected to remain at the forefront of the field and will have the opportunity to present at relevant conferences, publish in relevant journals, and apply for research funding.

The Laser Research Scientist will work with the NeXUS staff to establish effective and efficient processes to operate and maintain NeXUS equipment, focused on the laser systems and XUV generation. The Research Scientist will support preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of the NeXUS system. The Research Scientist will cross-train with NeXUS staff to support the operation and maintenance of additional subsystems. They will develop effective professional relationships with Ohio State staff and vendors who support NeXUS.

The Laser Research Scientist will conduct scientific or engineering research by proposing, executing, presenting, and/or publishing either experiments or equipment/technique development. This research may or may not connect to their role in the NeXUS facility. This research is encouraged to be collaborative with other researchers at Ohio State. The Research Scientist will have the status of a Principal Investigator (PI) so they can propose and execute sponsored research as a PI or co-PI.

An individual will possess the following essential skills and competencies to be successful in this role:

• Proven research, development, and design capabilities with relevant laser and HHG systems and experiments.


• Demonstrated capabilities in the assembly, maintenance, and verification of laboratory systems that incorporate laser, optical, and vacuum technologies.


• Demonstrated ability to communicate with and coordinate the activity of a small team of diverse technical experts to achieve a collaborative goal.


• Interest in continuous learning and skill development to support and develop new experiments and experimental capabilities.


• Demonstrated ability to support parallel tasks, balancing near term and long-term priorities.


• Promotes, supports, and fosters a culture of inclusiveness, engagement, collaboration, and learning.


• Works safely and promotes a culture of safety.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in experimental chemistry, physics, materials science, or optical engineering.


• Three years of demonstrated experience in operation and maintenance of relevant laser systems and HHG systems. (Can include work towards PhD.)


• Three years of experience in the design, assembly, operation, and maintenance of laboratory scientific equipment that incorporates laser, optical, and vacuum technologies. (Can include work towards PhD.)


• Strong evidence of scholarship and independent scientific achievement in their field of expertise, such as a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Desired Qualifications:

• One year of relevant experimental research experience beyond the Ph.D. degree period.


• Demonstrated experience in operation and maintenance of an additional NeXUS subsystem (list above) other than the laser systems and HHG systems.


• Evidence of the ability to propose and lead research or development projects.


• Demonstrated experience mentoring or managing technical staff (students, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, or other scientists).

To be considered for this position, a resume is required to be submitted.

FUNCTION: Research and Scholarship

SUBFUNCTION: Research

Additional Information:Location:Celeste Laboratory of Chemistry (0371)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40
Shift:First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.

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