Postdoctoral Researcher
About The Position
The Berkeley Accelerator Controls & Instrumentation (BACI) Program within Berkeley Lab's Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to RF design and analysis for normal-conducting accelerator structures. The researcher will work on electromagnetic design, geometry optimization, RF performance evaluation, and analysis and mitigation of higher-order modes and wakefields for linear accelerator (LINAC) structures and radio-frequency quadrupoles (RFQs) in support of BACI projects. The role involves collaborating with beam physicists and mechanical engineers to translate performance requirements into designs suitable for fabrication, and participating in RF testing and validation of resulting hardware. The researcher will also contribute to projects associated with the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U) and to beam diagnostic components. This is a full-time, two-year postdoctoral appointment, with the possibility of renewal depending on satisfactory job performance, continued funding availability, and operational needs. Candidates must have less than three years of paid postdoctoral experience. Work will be performed primarily at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in Berkeley, California. The position is subject to a background check.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Accelerator Physics, Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience designing or analyzing RF cavities or accelerator structures using electromagnetic simulation.
- Demonstrated experience with at least one RF/electromagnetic design tool, such as CST Studio Suite, ACE3P, or COMSOL Multiphysics.
- Ability to evaluate RF design performance and use simulation results to guide design decisions.
- Ability to document technical work and communicate results effectively through written reports and oral presentations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with physicists, engineers, and other members of a multidisciplinary team.
- Less than three years of paid postdoctoral experience.
Nice To Haves
- Experience designing normal-conducting LINAC accelerating structures or RFQs.
- Experience with higher-order-mode or wakefield analysis and mitigation.
- Understanding of accelerator and beam physics, including the relationship between RF structure design and beam dynamics.
- Familiarity with mechanical design, fabrication, tuning, or RF testing of accelerator structures.
- Experience with electromagnetic design of other accelerator components, including beam diagnostics.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to electromagnetic and RF design of normal-conducting accelerator structures, including LINAC accelerating structures and RFQs, for BACI projects.
- Develop and evaluate RF designs through numerical simulation, including geometry optimization and analysis of resonant frequencies, field distributions, RF efficiency, and other performance parameters.
- Analyze higher-order modes and wakefields and develop mitigation approaches where applicable.
- Collaborate with beam physicists to establish design requirements and assess the effects of RF performance on beam dynamics.
- Work with mechanical engineers and project team members to incorporate fabrication, assembly, and tuning considerations into RF designs.
- Participate in RF measurements, testing, and validation during hardware production.
- Document designs, simulations, test results, and technical decisions; communicate research results through technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
- Work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment and comply with Berkeley Lab safety requirements.
- Contribute RF design and analysis to projects associated with the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U).
- Contribute electromagnetic design and analysis to beam diagnostic components for BACI projects.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement savings through the UC Defined Contribution Safe Harbor Plan, with additional voluntary UC retirement savings options available.
- 24 days of Personal Time Off (PTO) per fiscal year, plus sick leave and paid holidays.
- Eight weeks of Postdoctoral Paid Family Leave for qualifying family and parental needs.
- Opportunities to connect, network, and grow through the Berkeley Lab Postdoc Association, including social events, professional development, and scientific exchange.
- A collaborative and inclusive culture supporting research career growth and belonging.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
