Open Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate
Duration: 1 year with the potential to extend
Location: Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo MI
Deadline to apply: Application review is ongoing.
Contact for questions: Kristina Lemmer: kristina.lemmer@wmich.edu
Application link: https://www.wmujobs.org/postings/3028
We are hiring for the following projects:
1. Characterizing the excitation and ionization of potential electric propulsion molecular propellants
An Air Force Office of Scientific Research sponsored project is focused on characterizing the excitation and ionization of simple molecules within a low-pressure RF plasma system. There has been an increasing interest in utilizing molecular propellants for plasma-based electric propulsion applications. Understanding the excitation, dissociation, and ionization of simple molecules will help develop the fundamental knowledge base needed to apply more complex molecules to a similar plasma system. With this knowledge, propellants and/or plasma systems can be designed for highly efficient plasma-based electric propulsion.
2. Optical characterization of electrospray thruster systems
Also and AFOSR sponsored project, we are using luminescence from an electrospray emitter tip to characterize performance and behavior of electrospray thrusters.
3. Molecular propellant identification for electric propulsion systems
Our group has been selected as part of a new Space Strategic Techology Institute to understand the composition and identification of molecular propellants for use in electric propulsion systems. This will be done through the use of a variety of optical diagnostics for species identification and quantification.
Applicants must possess a Ph.D. or have finished all requirements for the Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, mechanical/aerospace engineering or a closely related field prior to the start of the appointment. If the Ph.D. has not yet been conferred, a letter from the institution declaring that all requirements for degree have been met is acceptable. Candidates expecting to finish all requirements for their Ph.D. before the start of employment are welcome to apply.
Required Skills:
Several laser-based spectroscopic techniques will be used throughout these projects: coherent anti-Stokes Raman Scattering, laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, cross-beam absorption spectroscopy, and Thomson scattering. Demonstrated experience with one or more of these spectroscopic techniques is required. Additionally, applicants must possess demonstrated proficiency in cavity alignment, optical design, source/signal alignment, and optical detection systems. Demonstrated proficiency using Matlab and Labview is required.
Desired Skills:
Knowledge of discharge, plasma, combustion, or closely related systems is highly desired. Experience with vacuum chambers, vacuum pumps, associated flange/gasket components, and gas handling systems is also preferred. Some experience with CAD software (Solidworks), basic machining (mill/lathe), and simple circuit modeling (LTspice) and design would also be desired.
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Kristina Lemmer
Professor
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI
(269)276-3417
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