Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Under the leadership of Dr. Bristow, the incumbent in this position will conduct research in the field of Nanomaterials spectroscopy. This is a full-time, 9-month, benefits eligible position.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy consist of faculty whose research is the area of light-matter interactions in solids and condensed matter physics.

Responsibilities:

The position will support an ongoing collaboration between Ultrafast Nanophotonics Group at WVU and the Nanoscale Device Characterization Division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, Maryland. The applicant will be based at NIST as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: measuring optical properties of nanostructures and low-dimensional materials; analyzing data and work with theory colleagues to interpret the physical mechanisms driving the optical signal; working with an interdisciplinary team of scientists at NIST and WVU; publishing results and analysis in peer-reviewed journals and presenting their findings at international

A Ph.D. in Physics or Engineering is required.

In addition, the successful applicant must have: doctoral research experience in optics of solids or related field; experimental skills in ultrafast optics, familiarity with multidimensional spectroscopy and THz time-domain spectroscopy; computer literacy and mathematical software capabilities (matlab or similar); optics experimentation, including computer instrumentation (Labview or similar); demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills; and demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills

Application:

To apply, please visit WVU Careers. Upload the following: 1) a curriculum vitae; 2) an application letter that discusses relevant experience and interest in research area; and 3) contact information for three references that can provide recommendation letters.

The screening process will begin on January 19, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, contact Dr. Alan Bristow (alan.bristow@mail.wvu.edu).

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