The Nicholas and Lee Begovich Center for Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astronomy (GWPAC) at California State University, Fullerton welcomes applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Experimental Gravitational-Wave Physics. The successful applicant will contribute to center-level planning to empower early-career researchers in gravitational-wave physics and establish and carry out a research program in experimental gravitational-wave physics that complements the existing strengths in GWPAC and involves undergraduate and master’s students. Women and members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. 
 
GWPAC faculty members include Al Agnew, Geoffrey Lovelace, Jocelyn Read, and Director Joshua Smith. Current areas of focus in GWPAC include planning for next-generation gravitational-wave astrophysics, experimental and theoretical development toward the next generation of gravitational-wave observatories; experimental gravitational-wave detector optics; searches for binary systems with black holes and neutron stars with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO); waveform modeling, including neutron stars with realistic equations of state, modes, and tides; numerical relativity, including simulations of merging blackholes and contributions to the development of SpECTRE, a next-generation numerical-relativitycode. 
 
The focus of the GWPAC laboratories is on improving optical technologies and reducing environmental noise coupling for future upgrades to LIGO and next-generation observatories such as Cosmic Explorer. The laboratories include an ultra-high-vacuum cryostat for low-temperature optics experiments, a custom-modified industrial annealing oven for high-temperature optics experiments, an angle-resolved scatterometer, cleanrooms and optical benches, and a variety of lasers, optics and optomechanics.
* Please be aware that funding for this position is awarded through a Grant/Contract over a specified period. Employment for this position beyond current Grant/Contract funding is contingent upon continued funding.

• To contribute to planning for a nationally recognized research center at Cal State
   Fullerton, especially on ways to empower early-career researchers in gravitational-
   wave physics.
• To establish and carry out a research program in experimental gravitational-wave
   physics that complements existing strengths in GWPAC. 
• To participate in outreach programs associated with GWPAC-related science. 
• To participate in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and/or the Cosmic Explorer
   Consortium
• Other duties as assigned.

• The ability to communicate and work effectively with an ethnically and culturally
   diverse campus community and international scientific community.
• Experience in experimental physics/optics.  
• Background in gravitational-wave physics is preferred.

• Must be enrolled in a Ph.D program or have a Ph.D in physics, astronomy, or a
   related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Lifting of up to 25lbs.; periodic bending; long-term periods of sitting; long term periods operating a computer.  
 
BENEFITS:
Health, dental, vision, life/AD&D, health care flex plan, LTD, vacation, sick leave, holiday, credit union, tuition reimbursement and retirement plan. All benefits will be administered according to policies and/or procedures. 
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
CSU Fullerton, Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) is committed with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practice.  This means hiring diverse talent and ensuring employees understand and respect differences around us. ASC is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and a member of E-Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
 
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at (657) 278-4117. 
 
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the ASC. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current ASC employees who apply for the position. 
 
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