Postdoctoral Research Associate in Large Nonlinear Computational Dynamical Systems

The Opportunity

CREOL (Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers) is one of the world’s foremost institutions for research and education in optical and photonic science and engineering. The College offers MS and PhD degrees in optics and photonics, and a BS degree in photonic science and engineering. The faculty engages in fundamental and applied research and education in lasers, optical fibers, semiconductor and integrated photonic devices, nonlinear and quantum optics, imaging, sensing, and displays. The college is home to the CREOL, Florida Photonics Center of Excellence (FPCE), and Townes Laser Institute (TLI), and the Institute for the Frontier of Attosecond Science and Technology (iFAST). In addition, the College of Medicine, which includes the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, provides rich opportunities for collaboration. For more information see www.creol.ucf.edu.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in computational nonlinear dynamics and large-scale numerical modeling of semiconductor laser arrays at the College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL), University of Central Florida. Our research program investigates collective dynamics, synchronization, and self-organization in large arrays of coupled semiconductor diode lasers. The work combines experiments with computational and theoretical modeling of nonlinear dynamical systems with time-delayed interactions.

A major objective of this position is to develop and implement efficient numerical methods for increasingly large and complex systems of coupled nonlinear delay-differential equations (DDEs). Models range from arrays of single-mode semiconductor lasers described by Lang–Kobayashi-type equations to substantially larger multimode systems incorporating multiple optical modes, carrier dynamics, nonlinear interactions, heterogeneity, and delayed nonlocal coupling. As the number of lasers and optical modes increases, direct numerical simulation becomes computationally demanding. The successful candidate will therefore focus not only on physical modeling but also on developing, optimizing, and accelerating computational approaches capable of treating large laser networks efficiently.

The postdoctoral associate researcher will contribute to several areas, including:

• Numerical integration of large systems of nonlinear delay-differential equations
• Modeling of single-mode and multimode semiconductor laser arrays
• Optimization and acceleration of existing simulation codes
• Parallel computing and high-performance computing (HPC)
• GPU acceleration, where appropriate
• Development of scalable numerical algorithms for systems containing large numbers of lasers and optical modes

An important component of the project will be determining how numerical algorithms and existing stimulation codes can be redesigned or optimized to achieve substantial improvements in computational speed while preserving numerical accuracy and stability. The position provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of computational mathematics, nonlinear dynamics, high-performance computing, and experimental photonics. The research is closely connected with ongoing experiments involving large semiconductor diode laser arrays. This interaction provides an unusual opportunity for computational researchers to test theoretical and numerical predictions against experimentally observed collective dynamics. This position allows for opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration involving researchers in optics, photonics, nonlinear dynamics, applied mathematics, and computational science.

Semiconductor-laser experience is not required. The successful candidate will work closely with experimental researchers, and the necessary background in semiconductor laser physics and external-cavity laser systems can be developed as part of the project.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Applied Mathematics, Computational Mathematics, Computational Science, Physics, Optical Science, Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experience in one or more of the following:
• Numerical methods for ordinary and delay-differential equations.
• Scientific computing and numerical analysis
• Large-scale dynamical systems
• High-performance computing
• Parallel numerical algorithms
• GPU computing
• Strong programming skills are very important.
• Experience with C/C++, Python, Julia, MATLAB, CUDA, or a comparable scientific-computing environment is desirable.

Additional Application Materials Required

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:

• A curriculum vitae.
• Brief statement of research interests and relevant experimental experience.
• A list of publications
• List of three professional references with contact information

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Dr. Yehuda Braiman at [email protected].

Special Instructions To The Applicants

All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. H-1B visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

This is a Contract & Grants (C&G) funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

The position is anticipated for at least two years, with continued appointment and possible extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding (up to a total of four years).

Department

College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL)

Work Schedule

Varies

Type of Appointment

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Expected Salary

Negotiable

The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please email [email protected].