Current Opportunities at Vanderbilt

The Ndukaife Laboratory in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is currently seeking a postdoctoral fellow to conduct research on engineering thermal emission using metasurfaces. The project is funded through an Office of Naval Research program (ONR YIP Award program). The role demands strong project management, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills, as the successful candidate will work closely with highly-motivated and talented engineering and science students and top-notch faculty. Applicants should have a solid background in nanophotonic and metasurface design, nanofabrication, electromagnetic modeling, and optical characterization, with experience in Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy considered a plus.

Key Responsibilities:
• Design and conduct experiments related to the control of spatial and temporal coherence of thermal emission using metasurfaces including leveraging the concept of bound states in the continuum (BIC);
• Modeling and simulation of metasurface;
• Fabricate devices based on simulation designs using established nanofabrication techniques;
• Employ advanced infrared spectroscopic characterization techniques, such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, to analyze the thermal emission properties of the optimized metasurfaces;
• Collaborate with team members to promote a supportive and innovative research environment;
• Participate in continuous professional development activities such as seminars, lectures, and training sessions to stay updated with the latest scientific advancements and methodologies.
Requirements:
• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in electromagnetic modeling of metasurfaces, nanophotonic devices, and advanced optical spectroscopic methods.
• Extensive experience with nanofabrication techniques.
• Ability to meet project deadlines and work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Proven track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.
Additional Requirements:
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to mentor students and collaborate effectively with faculty, including direct interactions with Prof. Justus Ndukaife, and other collaborators at vanderbilt.
This position offers an initial one-year appointment with the opportunity for renewal based on performance and availability of funds. Successful candidates will have opportunities for professional growth through publications in top peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national conferences, highlighting our commitment to the professional development of our fellows.

Institutional Information: Vanderbilt University is a private, internationally recognized research university located in Nashville, Tennessee, which has a metro population of 1.9 million people. Vanderbilt University is a world-class research institution and one of the nation's premier centers for excellence in research and education.
Vanderbilt University is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please email (1) cover letter stating your specific interest in this position and relevant experience, (2) your detailed CV, and (3) names and contact information of at least two references.

Please send complete application to Dr. Justus Ndukaife (justus.ndukaife@vanderbilt.edu).