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Position Title:

Research Specialist

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Research Specialist

Job Duties:

The Research Specialist position will contribute to advancing research in integrated photonics, optical interconnects, and semiconductor technologies, with a focus on external cavity lasers, copackaged optics (CPO), and 3D optoelectronic integration for next-generation AI and data communication systems. This role will function as a key technical contributor within the research group, supporting both fundamental device innovation and system-level development aligned with departmental and institutional research priorities.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences

• Performs literature reviews and writes reports 

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results

• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders

• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

Department:

College of Engineering and Applied Science

Compensation:

65,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience)

Job Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Designing, modeling, and optimizing photonic devices and systems, including external cavity lasers and integrated optical components

• Conducting experimental validation and characterization of photonic devices and optical systems

• Developing system-level architectures for optical interconnects and co-packaged optics applications

• Contributing to the preparation of research proposals and technical reports to support external funding efforts

• Publishing research ϐindings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at conferences

• Collaborating with faculty, students, and external partners to advance interdisciplinary research initiatives

• Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students and supporting the development of research infrastructure

Work will be performed primarily on-site, with collaboration across research teams and potential engagement with external industry and government partners.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied physics, Photonics, or a closely related field

• Demonstrated expertise in integrated photonics, semiconductor lasers, or optical systems

• Experience in simulation, design, or experimental characterization of photonic devices

• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant research areas

• Ability to conduct independent research and contribute to collaborative projects

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and publication

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with external cavity lasers, narrow-linewidth laser design, or optical source development

• Experience with co-packaged optics (CPO), optical interconnects, or data communication systems

• Familiarity with photonic simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, MATLAB) Experience with experimental optical setups, including laser characterization and noise measurements (e.g., RIN, linewidth)

• Experience contributing to research proposal development or funded projects Experience mentoring students or working in interdisciplinary research environments

• Experience collaborating with industry or translating research toward practical applications

Education:

PhD

How to Apply:

Interested applicants please apply online no later than May 18th. Please include both a resume and cover letter for consideration.

Contact Information:

Any questions regarding this position please direct to Amy Rehfeldt at rehfelda@uwm.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.