Positions

Available positions in the group

  • Postdoctoral position in optical metamaterials
  • Postdoctoral position in theoretical/computational plasma physics
  • Research Assistantship position for graduate students
  • Research position for undergraduate and high school students

Postdoctoral Position in Optical Metamaterials

Applications are solicited for a postdoctoral position in the field of experimental and computational optical metamaterials in the research group of Prof. Gennady Shvets at The University of Texas at Austin. The emphasis is on studying the linear and nonlinear interactions of light with plasmonic and dielectric metamaterials, development of novel applications (solar and thermal photovoltaics, biochemical sensing, laser-driven accelerator structures for high-energy physics). Possibilities for conducting experimental and theoretical work on microwave metamaterials also exist, especially in the context of non-reciprocal metamaterials. More information about the group activities can be found at shvets.ph.utexas.edu. PhD in physics, optics, or related area is required, and experience is desirable in the following areas: FTIR spectroscopy, laser physics, nanofabrication including FIB, optical and e-beam lithography. Experience with coherent and incoherent infrared sources (CO2 lasers, OPOs, FTIR) and with biological sensing is preferred. Familiarity with numerical simulations of plasmonic metamaterials using either FDTD or commercial finite elements codes (HFSS, MicroWave Studio, COMSOL) is also a plus. It is expected that the candidate has a record of publications on these topics in leading refereed journals. The salary and benefits are competitive, and the successful candidate will join a well-established yet dynamic group. The candidate could begin as early as Oct. 1, 2013. Send a CV, statement of research interests, and the names of three references to Professor Gennady Shvets to the address below. Applications will be considered until this position is filled.

The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Physics
One University Station, C1500
Austin, TX 78712
gena@physics.utexas.edu


Postdoctoral Position in Theoretical/Computational Plasma Physics

Applications are solicited for a postdoctoral position in the computational/theoretical plasma physics. This position is with the Institute for Fusion Studies at the University of Texas at Austin (IFS). The emphasis is on studying the interactions of ultra-intense laser and particle beams with plasmas. Applications to plasma based acceleration of electrons and ions and high energy density plasmas are currently pursued in the group. More information about group’s activities can be found at shvets.ph.utexas.edu. Abundant opportunities exist to interact with the IFS faculty, researchers, postdocs and students, as well as with several laser-plasma experimental groups at UT. The University of Texas at Austin is the site of the Texas Center for High Energy Density Science that houses the Texas Petawatt Laser facility. PhD in physics or related area is required, and experience is desirable in one of the following areas: plasma physics, accelerator physics, laser-plasma interactions, particle simulations. The salary and benefits are competitive, and the successful candidate will join a well-established yet dynamic group. Starting date: as early as Oct. 1, 2013. Send a CV, statement of research interests, and the names of three references to Professor Gennady Shvets to the address below. Applications will be considered until this position is filled.

The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Physics
One University Station, C1500
Austin, TX 78712
gena@physics.utexas.edu


Research Assistantship position for graduate students

Two exciting research projects are available in Professor Shvets' group. Get an early start on your research and secure summer support! If you get interested in the projects and do well, there is a possibility of a research assistantship next year.

Computational Laser-Plasma Physics. The project has a substantial computational component, and is related to modeling the interaction of ultra-intense laser pulses with plasmas. Perspective student will participate in modeling exciting upcoming experiments at the Texas Petawatt center that may lead to the world record high energy (several GeV) of the relativistic electrons produced by laser-plasma interactions. Close collaborations with experimental laser-plasma groups of Prof. Downer is anticipated. Other topics in computational plasma physics, including laser-ion acceleration and inertial confinement fusion, may also be pursued depending on the student’s interests/skills. As part of your research, you will learn first-principles particle-in-cell plasma simulations.
Requirements: preferably, you have already taken a graduate E&M or a modern optics course, some introductory plasma physics (advanced undergraduate courses may be sufficient). Strong programming experience (C, C++, Fortran, MATLAB) will be very valuable.

Nano-optics and Metamaterials. Two projects are available to choose from: (a) design, fabrication, and testing of a surface wave particle accelerator, and (b) design and fabrication of plasmonic metamaterials for sub-wavelength imaging/lithography, light harvesting, and biochemical sensing. Both projects have experimental and computational components. The mix between theory and experiment will depend on the student’s interests and expertise. As part of your research, you will learn micro- and nano-fabrication techniques (FIB, e-beam lithography, reactive ion and wet etching), characterization (SEM and AFM microscopy), laser diagnostics (visible and infrared), and electromagnetic simulations (finite-elements).
Requirement: some lab experience with lasers and clean room is helpful.

To learn more about the research done in our group, browse through our webpages research section. Professor Shvets can be contacted at gena@physics.utexas.edu.