Fellow (Post Doc)

Study light-matter interactions in strong-field and weak-field regime; multi-color pump-probe experiments in ultrafast AMO physics and photochemistry employing various electron and ion imaging techniques.

  • 520936
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Macdonald James R Laboratory
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Feb 28 2026 - 23:55 CST
    • On-site
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    About This Role

    The J.R. Macdonald Laboratory at the Department of Physics, Kansas State University, is seeking two POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES in experimental ultrafast AMO physics. The Laboratory operates several state-of-the-art charged-particle imaging systems and light sources, including: a 100-kHz, 2-mJ laser system, several other femtosecond lasers and a couple of high-harmonic-generation sources that are used for studying ultrafast light-induced dynamics in atoms and molecules. Furthermore, we regularly conduct experiments at external X-ray free-electron laser and synchrotron radiation facilities in Stanford, CA, and Hamburg, Germany.

    Some of the responsibilities and research projects include:

    • Multi-color pump-probe experiments in ultrafast AMO physics and photochemistry employing various electron and ion imaging techniques.
    • Imaging molecular dynamics of ion-beam targets using ultrafast, intense laser pulses.
    • Femtosecond- / attosecond experiments with XUV and X-ray radiation, both in-house and at external free-electron laser facilities.

    About Us

    The Physics Department at K-State is composed of a dynamic group of tenure-track, research, and instructional faculty, as well as outstanding postdoctoral research fellows, graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and professional staff. All members of this team contribute in essential ways the department’s land-grant, public research university commitment to teaching and learning, research, and service to the people of Kansas, the nation, and the world.

    Worksite Description

    This position is On-site.

    All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

    What You'll Need to Succeed

    Minimum Qualifications:

    • Ph.D. (or equivalent) in physics, physical chemistry or a related field by the time the position begins.

      The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.

     

    Preferred Qualifications:

    • Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following
      areas:
      o strong-field physics and ultrafast laser-matter interactions;
      o photoion and photoelectron imaging and spectroscopy;
      o femtosecond laser optics; high-harmonics generation;
      o attosecond science;
      o femtochenistry;

    Sponsorship eligibility:

    This position is eligible for sponsorship

    How to Apply

    Please submit the following documents:

    • Cover Letter
    • CV
    • A list of three academic references

    Application Window

    Applications close on: February 28, 2026

    Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

    $52,000 - $58,000/ annually

     

     

    Why Join Us:

    Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

    Work Authorization: 

    Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

    Equal Employment Opportunity:

    Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

    Remote and Hybrid work options:

    Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

    Relocation to Kansas: 

    Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site apply online for the program incentives. 

    Background Screening Statement:

    Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

    Interview Preferences:

    Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

    The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

    *Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

    To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.