Postdoctoral Position in High-Resolution Laser Spectroscopy at the University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
A postdoctoral position is available in the research Group of Prof. Jinjun Liu in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA. The project is supported by the Division of Astronomical Sciences of the National Science Foundation (NSF-AST) and focuses on the laser spectroscopy of metal-containing free radicals of astronomical interest under jet-cooled conditions. More information about the NSF-AST award can be found here: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2511077&HistoricalAwards=false.
The University of Louisville offers a market-competitive salary and benefits. Grade EE Salary Minimum is $47,476.
The initial appointment is for one year, with renewal contingent upon performance and mutual agreement.
Responsibilities
· Design and construct high-resolution laser spectroscopy apparatuses using continuous-wave (cw) lasers and optical parametric oscillators (OPOs).
· Perform data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
· Prepare manuscripts for publication and present results at scientific conferences.
· Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
· Collaborate closely with computational chemists and theoretical molecular spectroscopists.
Expected Qualifications
· Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics, or a related field with a strong background in experimental laser spectroscopy.
· Hands-on experience with research lasers, optics, optoelectronics, vacuum systems, and spectroscopy techniques.
· Proficiency in instrumental programming (LabVIEW). Strong scientific judgment, initiative, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Preferred experience
· Single-mode cw laser systems (dye or Ti:Sapphire ring lasers or OPOs).
· Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), cavity-enhanced spectroscopy (including cw cavity ring-down spectroscopy), or photoelectron/photoionization spectroscopy techniques.
University of Louisville Laser Labs (UL3), https://www.theul3.com
Details of research lasers and instruments in Prof. Liu’s research lab can be found here:
https://www.theul3.com/equipment/laser-sources
Lab photos are available here:
https://www.theul3.com/equipment/lab-photos.
Some related publications:
· “Mid-infrared Doppler-free saturation absorption spectroscopy of the Q branch of CH4 ν3=1 band using a rapid-scanning continuous-wave optical parametric oscillator”, S. M. S. Riyadh, H. Telfah, I. W. Jones, J. S. Bersson, C-F. Cheng, S-M. Hu, D. B. Foote, and J. Liu*, Opt. Lett. 49, 4230-4233 (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.530567.
· "Electronic spectroscopy of the ~𝐴12A"/~𝐴22A'-~𝑋2A' transitions of jet-cooled calcium ethoxide radicals: Vibronic structure of alkaline earth monoalkoxide radicals of Cs symmetry", A. C. Paul, K. Sharma, H. Telfah, T. A. Miller, and J. Liu,* J. Chem. Phys. 155, 024301 (14 pages) (2021). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0056550
· "Laser-induced fluorescence and dispersed-fluorescence spectroscopy of the ~A2E-~X2A1 transition of jet-cooled calcium methoxide (CaOCH3) Radicals" A. C. Paul, K. Sharma, Md. A. Reza, H. Telfah, T. A. Miller,* and J. Liu,* J. Chem. Phys. 151, 134303 (15 pages) (2019). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5104278
· “Rotationally resolved ~B-~X electronic spectra of the isopropoxy radical: A comparative study”, J. Liu,* D. Melnik, and T. A. Miller,* J. Chem. Phys. 139, 094308 (27 pages) (2013). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4819343
The City of Louisville
Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, with a rich history and vibrant culture. Originally a French settlement, the city retains strong European architectural influences and is home to many fine French and Italian restaurants. Louisville is world-renowned for the Kentucky Derby, the largest horse race in the world, while Kentucky is also famous for Bourbon whiskey and bluegrass music. With its affordable housing, low cost of living, light traffic, accessible public transportation, and pleasant climate, Louisville offers an excellent quality of life and is an ideal place to raise a family.
For questions or further information, please contact:
Dr. Jinjun Liu,
Professor of Chemistry
Adjunct Professor of Physics&Astronomy
University of Louisville
2320 S. Brook St, Louisville, Kentucky 40292
Phone: 502-852-1223
Web: https://profiles.louisville.edu/j.liu
The University of Louisville Laser Labs (UL3)