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Postdoctoral Scholar in electromagnetic theory, RF/microwave design, and applied mathematical physics
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Position Number: 5457976
Location: Santa Clara, CA
Position Type: Mathematics

Postdoctoral Scholar in electromagnetic theory, RF/microwave design, and applied mathematical physics

ECE, Santa Clara University

Applications are invited for a new Postdoctoral Scholar position in electromagnetic theory, RF/microwave design, and applied mathematical physics /engineering modeling, at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Santa Clara University. This is an in- person position at Santa Clara University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. The position is available for 26 months, with possible extension depending on the availability of future funding. The start date is preferably in the Fall of 2024/Winter of 2025 or soon after (negotiable).

We seek outstanding candidates who are experienced in, and excited about, conducting high-quality research in a wide range of topics relevant to the analysis of guided waves, passive radio-frequency (RF) design and antennas, mathematical modeling of electromagnetic phenomena, applied mathematics or mathematical physics. Previous experience in more than one of these topics is a plus. The postdoctoral scholar will join Prof. Adham Naji, who is moving from SLAC/Stanford University to Santa Clara University, to establish his new research program in this field. Prof. Naji's research covers a wide range of problems in EM theory, RF analysis/design, accelerator physics and wakefields, and mathematical physics.

Advanced RF devices and electromagnetic systems are of central importance to many fields and applications, such as wireless telecommunications, high-energy particle accelerators, radar/satellite transceivers, national security and medical therapy systems. Every day, we see an increasing complexity in the concepts that enable these advanced RF systems to push the envelope of performance in various applications. For meaningful progress in this area, researchers need to employ innovative techniques and possess a deep understanding of the physics, engineering and mathematical concepts involved.

The postdoctoral scholar will be focused on solving problems in one or more of the following topics: (1) mathematical modeling, design and simulation of reconfigurable microwave/RF planar resonators/filters for RF dynamical agility in center frequency and bandwidth; (2) analysis/modeling of special waveguide geometries for RF/THz radiation transport, including both eigen- and transient- analyses; (3) developing a theory for the classification of eigen- perturbations in geometric 2D EM resonator sensors and antennas based on characteristic contour variations (Lipschitz-continuous shapes); (4) analysis of wakefield and collective effects in particle accelerator cavities and RF structures; (5) developing new techniques (e.g. using Lie transformations) to improve the modeling efficiency of the field-particle dynamical interactions in particle accelerators and high-power RF sources (e.g. new classes of klystrons or gyrotrons); and (6) analysis and simulation of novel 3D metamaterial meshes for magnetic inductive-heating of industrial processes in renewable-energy applications. To address these problems, the adoption of new techniques that innovatively bridge modern applied mathematics, physics and EM engineering will be key.

Preferred skills and qualifications:

Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds (e.g. in physics, applied math, engineering) with relevant skills are encouraged to apply. Knowledge of EM theory, differential equations with boundary-value problems, complex analysis, perturbation theory and applied analysis will be useful for excelling in this work. Experience/familiarity in writing your own codes in Wolfram Mathematica (or similar languages) and in simulating EM/RF structures in Ansys HFSS (or similar tools) is highly desirable. Additional basic experience in S matrix measurements and microwave network calculations is a plus. The ability to acquire new skills and learn new techniques/tools is important for success in this position.

The postdoctoral scholar is expected to have completed a PhD in any of the following areas: RF/microwave engineering, theoretical physics, applied physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field. They will have a promising track record of high-quality research, including journal publications. Applicants with traditional or nontraditional career pathways are encouraged to apply. The salary will follow the national NIH scales for postdoctoral scholars and will be commensurate with the applicant's record/experience, in addition to benefits. The position is available for 26 months (12 months initial appointment and then renewable up to 26 months). Possible extension beyond 26 months will depend on the availability of funding.

The deadline for application is September 1, 2024. Start date is negotiable, with a preference to a start date that is closer to the Fall of 2024 or Winter 2025.

How to apply:

Step 1 – combine all the following documents as one PDF file and put your Last name as the filename. This single file will be your application package:
1. CV/Resume, including your full list of publications and your contact details.
2. A statement of research interests (1 page max) highlighting how your previous
experience or research interests are relevant, and why you would like to apply for this position. Include your preferred start date, if selected for this position.
3. List of 3 references, with contact details.
4. Include 1 publication sample that you are most proud of.

Step 2 – send the single PDF above to Leilani De Nieva at ldenieva@scu.edu with the email titled "Podtdoc_application_EM/RF".