Post-Doctoral Fellow - Physics and Astronomy - Laser Optics

Job Title:  Post-Doctoral Fellow - Physics and Astronomy - Laser Optics

Posting End Date: August 13, 2026 

Position Start Date: October 1, 2026

Required Degree: 

Ph.D. in Physics, or Applied Physics, or Optics.

The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Experience: 

Prior physics-related research experience.  Strong theoretical foundation in physics, with preference for electrodynamics and light propagation.  Preferred experience with instrumentation, vacuum technology, lasers, optics.
 

Duties/Expectations: 

Use a laser system and other equipment to study light-matter interactions. Lead a project to increase the spatial and temporal contrast of the laser to enable measurement of coherence effects in nonlinear Thomson scattering or other measurements.  Assist faculty in mentoring graduate and undergraduate students on these and other laser and optics-related projects.  Write scientific publications and present at meetings.

This position requires the successful candidate to relocate and/or reside in Utah for the duration of their employment.

MISSION ALIGNMENT STATEMENT INSTRUCTIONS

If you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball).

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

All faculty are required to abide by the university’s Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.