Postdoctoral Appointee - Free-Electron Lasers driven by Laser-Plasma Accelerators

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

8d

About The Position

The Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to theoretical and numerical modeling of a compact X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) driven by an electron beam produced by a laser-plasma accelerator (LPA). The work is part of a collaboration with the BELLA Lab at Berkeley, modeling electron-beam transport and FEL radiation generation from LPA-produced beams. The selected candidate will work closely with BELLA’s experimental team to develop detailed simulations of beam transport and diagnostic measurements, helping explain and optimize FEL performance. Simulation work will be paired with simplified theoretical models to clarify the underlying physics and inform future plans for a compact facility that can produce intense X-rays for science.

The postdoctoral researcher will join a multidisciplinary team from Argonne, Berkeley Lab, UCLA, and ASU working in accelerators, diagnostics, and radiation generation. The candidate will take a leading role in theoretical and numerical modeling of the LPA-driven FEL at Berkeley Lab. The position includes developing a detailed model of the BELLA experiment, studying beam dynamics and optimization for FEL radiation generation, investigating shorter X-ray wavelengths, preparing technical notes, and publishing research findings.

This is a long-term, fixed-term, full-time postdoctoral position. The expected hiring range is $72,879–$121,465. Argonne states that comprehensive benefits are part of its total rewards package; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.

Requirements

• PhD in accelerator physics or a closely related field, awarded within the past 0–5 years. Candidates with PhDs in physics, computational science, or related fields and an interest in accelerator physics and FELs will also be considered.
• Programming skills, including familiarity with the UNIX environment and scientific computing languages such as Python or C.
• Demonstrated background in computational modeling or numerical simulation for science.
• Ability to work within a multi-lab collaboration and with a wide range of scientific and engineering experts.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with established accelerator and FEL simulation tools.
• Experience with high-performance computing clusters for numerical modeling.
• Experience with laser-plasma accelerators, conventional accelerators, or X-ray generation.

Responsibilities

• Develop a detailed numerical model of the BELLA Lab experiment using accelerator-tracking and FEL codes such as ELEGANT, IMPACT, and GENESIS.
• Perform beam-dynamics studies of the propagation and subsequent manipulation of high-brightness, ultra-short beams produced by LPAs.
• Develop techniques to optimize the LPA beam for FEL radiation generation, including manipulating the longitudinal phase and/or tailoring or tapering undulator strength.
• Investigate applications at shorter X-ray wavelengths.
• Prepare technical notes to guide future studies of an LPA-based FEL facility.
• Write up research findings for peer-reviewed publication.
• Collaborate with the BELLA experimental team and multidisciplinary research and engineering teams across Argonne, Berkeley Lab, UCLA, and ASU.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree