Project Scientist Laser-Plasma Acceleration

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

15d • Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Project Scientist at the BELLA Center, in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics division.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
The Project Scientist will contribute to research relevant to the development of compact laser-driven particle accelerators. This includes R&D for laser-plasma acceleration (LPA) of electrons in underdense targets and applications of these beams (high-energy physics applications, light-source drivers, bio-medical applications, free-electron laser physics, among others).
The Project Scientist will work as part of a collaborative research team supporting BELLA Center experimental efforts, which includes electron acceleration with the BELLA PW and 100-TW peak-power lasers, novel laser injection methods for generating high-brightness electron beams, plasma targets and diagnostics, beam transport methods, and radiation generation using LPA electron beams.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics or related field, plus postdoctoral research experience or equivalent breadth and depth of experience.
• Experience with multi-terawatt lasers
• Experience with charged particle beam transport and diagnostic development.
• Experience performing plasma accelerator R&D, including a track record of publications in the field, conference presentations, publications in refereed journals, invited talks, etc.
• Ability to work closely in a team with other scientists, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and engineers.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaboration research team, both within and outside LBNL.
• Basic knowledge of particle optics and elements of accelerator physics.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with all members of ATAP, including other scientists, engineers, postdoctoral scholars, and students.
• Ability to travel and present work at collaboration meetings, workshops, and conferences, including international travel.
• Ability to work effectively in a safety-focused environment and conduct work in accordance with safety rules and systems.
• Capability to be flexible and creative in pursuing new topics and carrying out forefront research in the area of laser-matter interactions and particle acceleration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research supporting the development of laser-plasma acceleration of particle beams, and drive light sources such as the free-electron laser.
• Assist in troubleshooting and documenting issues on laser and accelerator equipment and associated systems.
• Develop and implement solutions which include robust apparatus performance, adherence to safety regulation at the lab, while meeting the experimental needs of the program.
• Participate in the design and analysis of experimental campaigns using the BELLA laser beamlines.
• Document and communicate results of work in journal publications and oral presentations, and participate in meetings, conferences, and program reviews.
• Work collaboratively with BELLA Center and ATAP Division scientists, engineers, post-doctoral scholars, technicians, operational staff, and students.
• Adhere to DOE and LBNL’s safety guidelines and safety culture, and contribute to an inclusive and supportive work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees