Laboratory Research Operations Analyst
The Ohio State University

Job Info

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Job Title:Laboratory Research Operations AnalystDepartment:Arts and Sciences | Physics Administration

Position Overview: The Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University is seeking a Laboratory Research Operations Analyst. The Laboratory Research Operations Analyst will oversee the development, operation, and management of the Scarlet Laser, a state-of-the-art, restricted-access, multi-million-dollar, 300 terawatt, dual chirped pulse amplification (CPA), short pulse laser system. This role is crucial for advancing our cutting-edge research capabilities and ensuring the smooth operation of our high-tech laboratory facilities. Responsibilities include developing and implementing improvements to the laser itself, implementing laser diagnostics, and planning and overseeing laboratory operations in the multi-room facility, which includes a control room, the laser bay, the experimental room, and the preparation room.

Key Responsibilities:

• Laser Operations (30%):

  • Functions as principal laser operator for the state-of-the-art, restricted-access, multi-million-dollar, 500 terawatt short pulse laser system in the High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) physics laboratory.

  • Performs independent research in high intensity, laser-matter interactions to create and field new laser diagnostics.

  • Sets up and operates optical laboratory equipment.

  • Supervises laboratory operations and instructs lab personnel on optical laboratory procedures and techniques.

  • Independently makes operating decisions on the status of the laser, diagnoses problems in the laser system, and makes decisions concerning repairs.

  • Oversees repairs and orders high-value replacement parts for the laser.

  • Manages daily operations, diagnoses issues, and oversees repairs.

  • Adjusts the laser system for various experiments.

  • Ensures proper use of key ultrafast techniques on which the laser system is based, such as modelocking, Q-switching, laser pumping, cross-wave polarization, and CPA.

  • Operates essential diagnostics tools such as power meters (pulsed, average power, high power), fast photodiodes, spectrometers, and third-order cross-correlation.

  • Addresses issues with commercial mode-locked and Q-switched lasers and their ancillary systems.

  • Synchronizes systems on nanosecond and picosecond scales.

• Safety Management (25%):

  • Acts as the laboratory's Laser Safety Officer, exercising independent authority to request any and all safety implementations, including but not limited to shutting down experimental operations.

  • Acts as general safety officer for the HEDP research group.

  • Oversees and implements chemical and fire safety standards and conducts laboratory safety assessments.

  • Ensures compliance with EHS regulations.

• Reporting (20%):

  • Prepares written reports to record laboratory results.

  • Keeps accurate laboratory notes.

  • Researches, purchases, and maintains data acquisitions and reporting equipment and associated software.

  • Writes laboratory protocols which comply with all Federal, State, and University safety and environmental regulations.

  • Oversees compliance of staff and students with all Environmental, Safety, and Health (ES&H) rules.

  • Documents laser maintenance, operations, and improvements.

• Laboratory Operations (15%):

  • Maintains laboratory infrastructure.

  • Performs ordering and inventory control.

  • Maintains equipment by following manufacturer's preventive maintenance directives.

  • Purchases equipment and expendables.

  • Conducts routine and non-routine laboratory operations such as inventory control, ordering supplies, maintenance, and data interpretation.

  • Sets up and operates basic optical laboratory equipment while supporting the instruction of lab personnel in procedures and techniques.

  • Develops and follows a maintenance schedule for all laser systems.

  • Identifies, purchases, and installs high-value replacement parts; researches and procures necessary equipment, data acquisition systems, and related software.

• Website and Outreach (10%):

  • Maintains research group website, generates original materials and visuals, and oversees and approves modifications for the website.

  • Oversees and trains laboratory personnel on laser standards and laboratory operating procedures.

  • Supervises undergraduate students and their research on laboratory procedures and techniques.

  • Recommends and implements system upgrades and training.

  • Mentors students in their use of the facility.

  • Collaborates with PRB Facilities Managers to maintain the lab environment.

Minimum Education Required:

• Bachelor's degree in physics or equivalent experience

Preferred Education:

• Master's degree in physics or equivalent experience

Required Qualifications:

• At least two years of relevant experience

• Experience with Q-switched and modelocked lasers

• Experience operating and maintaining high-energy (≥ 10 J per pulse) and high-power (≥ 10 terawatts) laser systems

• Familiarity with ultrashort pulse ( 1 picosecond) laser systems

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, MATLAB, Autodesk Inventor, and SolidWorks

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Drupal, Mathematica, ImageJ, FlyCap, and Basler or equivalent

• Ability to manage electronic timing sequences on the nanosecond and picosecond scale

• Experience in the design and fabrication of laboratory equipment

Additional Information:

Target Hiring Range: $51,000-$67,000

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college and the academic heart of the university. The College hosts 81 majors. With 38 departments, 20+ world-class research centers, and more than 2,000 faculty and staff members, students have the unique opportunity to study with the best artists, scholars, and scientists in their field. The College values diversity and offers a supportive, open, and inclusive community.

Location:Physics Research Building (0070)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40Shift:First ShiftFinal candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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