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Notice of Vacancy
Institute for Shock Physics
Washington State University
The Institute for Shock Physics, a multidisciplinary research organization within the College of Sciences, invites applications from strongly self-motivated, talented individuals for an Operations Engineer position (Administrative/Professional Staff Member). We are looking to hire a recent graduate in Electrical Engineering or Physics who enjoys hands-on experimental work in a fast-paced, creative environment. The Institute's research activities involve state-of-the-art experiments to understand the response of materials subjected to very rapid and large compressions.
The overall responsibilities for this position are as follows:
1. Participate in the design and development of research methodologies for a broad range of experimental projects.
2. Development and maintenance of research equipment and systems, particularly the Institute's Compact Pulsed Power Generator.
3. Define and complete experimental projects and tasks.
4. Contribute effectively to all aspects of the research projects including assistance to research faculty and graduate students, as needed; maintenance of the experimental facilities; ordering experimental components, equipment and supplies; interactions with the instrument and electronic shops, as needed; supervising undergraduate technical assistants; and working effectively in a team setting.
5. Conduct and analyze research experiments, and prepare reports and publications as appropriate.
Because of the diverse nature of the research activities and the facilities in the Institute, the above list should be viewed as a representative, but not a complete, list of responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Only applicants who are currently in the U.S. and meet the following minimum qualifications will be considered for the position:
• A recent B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics, or a closely related field. A Master's Degree is preferred.
• Strong experimental background and hands-on experience with design and fabrication of experimental components; and excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong academic background to address needs related to electrical circuitry, control systems, and fast switching concepts.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Critical thinking, good judgment, clear sense of purpose, attention to details, and accountability.
• Be able to lift at least 50 lbs. because of the need to move and assemble various experimental components and equipment. Must have fine motor skills, be able to climb up and down stairs in the laboratory, and move equipment as necessary.
Prior experience in research related to materials under extreme conditions is not required. However, strong hands-on experimental skills are essential.
A brief summary of the Institute's activities follows. Experimental work typically involves fast, time-resolved measurements in single event, pressure induced structural phase transitions; development of fast optical methods to probe shock induced changes; effect of deformation on semiconductor properties; time-resolved x-ray diffraction studies; dynamic compression experiments. Research projects currently underway include: understanding of inelastic deformation and failure under dynamic loading; effect of material microstructure on dynamic deformation; chemical decomposition in energetic materials; high pressure equation of state studies; and chemical and physical changes under static high pressures.
Details about recent shock wave research activities at WSU may be seen in the following representative publications:
• Turneaure SJ and Gupta YM. 2011. "Material strength determination in the shock compressed state using x-ray diffraction measurements." Journal of Applied Physics, 109(12): 123510.
• Lang JM and Gupta YM. 2011. "Experimental Determination of Third-Order Elastic Constants of Diamond." Physical Review Letters, 106(12): 125502.
• Grivickas P, McCluskey MD and Gupta YM. 2011. "Order-of-magnitude reduction of carrier lifetimes in [100] n-type GaAs shock-compressed to 4 GPa." Applied Physics Letters, 98(9): 092107.
• LaLone BM and Gupta YM. 2009. "Elastic Limit of X-cut Quartz Under Shockless and Shock Wave Compression: Loading Rate Dependence." Journal of Applied Physics, 106(5): 053526-4.
• Jaglinski T, LaLone BM, Bakeman CJ and Gupta YM. 2009. "Shockless Compression of Z-Cut Quartz to 7 GPa." Journal of Applied Physics, 105(8): 083528-6.
Further details may be seen at www.shock.wsu.edu.
The salary structure is both attractive and nationally competitive. Other benefits include health/dental insurance, vacation/sick leave, retirement plans, and access to all University facilities.
THE INSTITUTE FOR SHOCK PHYSICS
A multidisciplinary research organization within the College of Sciences, ISP undertakes a broad range of fundamental scientific activities related to understanding condensed matter response under dynamic and static compression. Washington State University has a long and distinguished history of conducting research in dynamic compression science. In 1997, the Institute was established with support from the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure a strong, long-term academic base for the DOE's national security mission.
Continuum-to-Atomic level understanding is the pervading theme of the research activities that emphasize integration of innovative experiments with theoretical and computational advances. Multidisciplinary efforts that combine expertise in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, and Mechanical Engineering are underway to address several exciting and challenging scientific problems. In addition to the research faculty within the Institute, students and faculty from several departments within the Colleges of Science and Engineering participate in the Institute's research projects. Excellent research interactions are in place with the DOE / NNSA National Laboratories: Lawrence Livermore, Los Alamos, and Sandia.
The state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities are housed in the Shock Physics Building. Inaugurated in 2003, the building was designed specifically for shock wave research and represents a unique facility among academic institutions. The major experimental research facilities available for studying physical and chemical phenomena over a large range of length and time scales include the Impact Laboratory, Laser Shock Laboratory, Static High Pressure Laboratory, and the Compact Pulsed Power Facility. Among the Institute's research capabilities is a Computational Facility designed to complement the experimental effort.
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Washington State University, one of the two research universities in the state, was founded in 1890 as the state's land-grant institution and is located in Pullman with regional campuses in Spokane, Vancouver and the Tri-Cities. It is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research Extensive University with a strong emphasis on excellence in research and education. Current enrollment is approximately 26,300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The University offers more than 200 fields of study, with 95 majors for undergraduates, 64 master's degree programs, 44 doctoral degree programs, and 2 professional degree programs. Academically the University is organized into 12 colleges (Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences; Business; Communication; Education; Engineering and Architecture; Honors; Liberal Arts; Nursing; Pharmacy; Sciences; University College; Veterinary Medicine) and a Graduate School.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants should submit a letter of application explicitly addressing the qualifications for this position and date of availability; detailed curriculum vitae; and the names, email, and addresses for three professional references to:
Sheila Heyns
Manager, Administration and Operations
Institute for Shock Physics
Washington State University
PO Box 642816
Pullman, WA 99164-2816
or via email at ispjobs@wsu.edu.
To ensure consideration, please specify the position (Operations Engineer) for which you are applying. We will begin reviewing submissions immediately and will continue to do so until the position is filled.
WSU is an EO/AA Educator and Employer. Location: WSU/Pullman, WA
Compensation: For more information, please see http://www.shock.wsu.edu/opportunities.html .
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