Physics: Astrophysics, Physics: Atomic and Molecular, Physics: Mathematical
Required Education:
Doctorate
About
Founded in 1855, Bates is one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges, with a long history of commitments to principles of human dignity and diversity.
Since its inception, Bates has been a coeducational, nonsectarian, residential college with special commitments to academic rigor and to programs and opportunities by qualified learners of all backgrounds. Historically, Bates students and graduates have linked education with service, leadership, and obligations beyond themselves.
Bates has highly competitive admission, graduates over 90% of its entering students, and over half of its alumni earn graduate degrees. Bates has 1,700 students, 200 faculty members and 550 staff and administrative employees.
The College is proud of its strong involvements in the Lewiston-Auburn communities, Maine’s second largest urban area, with a population of approximately 65,000. Bates is located on a beautiful, 109-acre, traditional New England campus in Lewiston, Maine, a lively small city enjoying an exciting economic and cultural revitalization. With an engaged citizenry, lively arts scene, and historic downtown, this walkable city is 35 miles north of Portland, 140 miles north of Boston, and 340 miles north of New York City.
The Position
The Research Associate will conduct ultracold atomic physics research with Prof. Nathan Lundblad of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Prof. Lundblad’s field of research is ultracold atomic physics, particularly the study of Bose-Einstein condensates in tailored potentials (e.g. optical lattices or dressed magnetic traps). Research with Prof. Lundblad would be carried out through participation in the NASA CAL program to place an ultracold atomic physics experiment aboard the International Space Station, and through a fully-equipped BEC lab at Bates College. This position offers the opportunity for the applicant to become involved in the educational life of the Bates College Department of Physics and Astronomy through mentorship of undergraduate students, guidance of senior thesis and summer research projects, guest lectures, and department events. The initial term of the position is one year, with potential extensions pending additional funding.
The key accountabilities include:
Lab responsibilities including the regular monitoring of essential laboratory equipment as well as its periodic maintenance.
Research includes preparing and modeling ultracold atomic physics experiments.
Collecting and analyzing data as appropriate.
Assisting in manuscript preparation and grant reporting requirements as appropriate.
Supervision of semester lab assistants.
Preparing presentations for conferences.
Representing the lab and the work of the lab at conferences.
Other research duties as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
This role requires a Doctorate in Physics or a related field, ABD will be considered. A successful candidate for the position must have:
Strong background in experimental physics as associated with graduate or postdoc work in the field.
Some familiarity with Mathematica or similar, Labview or related control implementations, and a formal language such as Python.
Experience in ultracold atomic physics is ideal, and experience in relevant areas of laser and atomic physics technique is highly desirable.
Ability to exercise judgement within defined laboratory practices and techniques.
Exceptional communication (written, verbal and presentation) skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with ability to develop and maintain collegial relationships. Must be flexible, collaborative and have a positive attitude.
Ability to work with a high level of independence and handle multiple research priorities.
Ability to work as part of a research team.
Excellent analytical and problem solving skills; ability to synthesize complex or diverse information.
Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, lab notebook practices and attention to detail are essential.
Ability and willingness to work weekends, evenings, and other non-traditional schedules as needed or required.
Successful completion of a criminal background check.
Benefits
Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, 9% retirement contribution with potential for an additional 3% match, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more) and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug- and smoke-free workplace.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references. This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment background screening. Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. (References will not be contacted without your permission.)
Bates College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination. The college prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status and other legally protected statuses in the recruitment and admission of its students, in the administration of its education policies and programs, or in the recruitment of its faculty and staff. Bates College adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations. All college faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Discrimination Policy.
Inquiries concerning the college’s policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VII, Title IX, and ADA/Section 504), and complaints may be directed to Gwen Lexow, Title IX Officer, 207-786-6445 or via email at glexow@bates.edu.
About Bates College
Since its founding in 1855 by Maine abolitionists, Bates College has welcomed men and women from diverse racial, ethnic, religious and economic backgrounds. A private, highly selective,residential college devoted to undergraduate study in the liberal arts, Bates has always stood firmly for the ideals of academic rigor, intellectual curiosity, egalitarianism, social justice, and freedom. Bates is recognized for its inclusive social character and progressive tradition, and is rightly celebrated as one of the first U.S. institutions of higher learning to admit women and people of color.
