Research Scientist, Laser-Plasma Accelerators and X-ray Sources

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for High Energy Density Science (CHEDS) at The University of Texas at Austin seeks an accomplished experimental physicist to lead research on laser wakefield electron accelerators, laser-driven x-ray and muon sources, and related physics. The role will build UT’s laser-based x-ray capability for semiconductor and medical applications; support the LaVHEE effort on laser-driven very-high-energy electron beams for radiotherapy; lead UT’s participation in the LSU-led LaNeXT project; and lead the x-ray beamline portion of TeX-Ray, a planned Texas laser synchrotron facility, including support for its laser development.

This is a highly independent research position offering opportunities to lead proposals, supervise researchers and students, and help shape a new national user facility at the intersection of ultra-high-intensity laser science, accelerator physics, semiconductor metrology, and medical imaging. Research will take place at UT Austin and off-site laser facilities. The position involves working in laser laboratories with Class IV lasers, high-voltage and vacuum systems, and ionizing radiation sources, as well as travel to external facilities and partner meetings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, or a related field.
• At least six years of post-Ph.D. experience and at least eight years of total research experience, including pre-doctoral research at universities or national laboratories, in experimental laser-plasma physics or accelerator science.
• Demonstrated record of leading experiments on laser wakefield acceleration and laser-driven x-ray generation (betatron, inverse Compton, or similar), documented by peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with x-ray imaging or scattering techniques, such as radiography, micro-CT, XRD, or phase-contrast, including detectors, optics, and data reconstruction.
• Experience with high-power (≥ 50 TW) Ti:sapphire laser systems and executing experiments at external laser facilities.
• Record of securing external research funding or leading major proposal components, such as NSF mid-scale or multi-institution projects.
• Experience supervising researchers and students.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing x-ray metrology for semiconductor or medical applications, or collaborating with industry or clinical partners.
• Experience designing and commissioning beamlines or user end stations at a laser, synchrotron, or accelerator facility.
• Experience with high-repetition-rate laser-plasma systems, gas-jet and gas-cell targets, and electron and x-ray beam diagnostics.
• Experience in muon physics, laser-based muon generation, and muon imaging, such as muon tomography.
• Experience using ML/AI methods for data analysis, tomographic reconstruction, or machine control.
• Experience with PIC and x-ray transport simulation tools, such as WarpX, Osiris, or Geant4, and with Python or C++.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on laser wakefield electron accelerators and betatron, inverse-Compton, and other laser-driven x-ray sources, conducting experiments at UT3, the Texas Petawatt, and off-site facilities such as BELLA at LBNL, ELI Beamlines, and ELI-NP.
• Develop laser-based x-ray diagnostics for semiconductor and medical applications, including 3D micro-CT of packaged chips, x-ray diffraction, and phase-contrast imaging; support development of laser-driven VHEE beams for radiotherapy (LaVHEE) with industry and clinical partners.
• Lead the x-ray beamline portion of TeX-Ray, including MIMIX and associated beamlines: design, commission, and operate beamlines, and support facility laser development.
• Take a leading role in UT’s participation in the LSU LaNeXT project by co-leading UT’s proposal and project work, representing UT with LSU and partner institutions, defining and delivering UT’s laser-driven x-ray contributions, and developing related user-program and funding efforts.
• Publish research results and present at conferences.
• Supervise postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, technical staff, and undergraduate research assistants.

Benefits

• Employer-paid health insurance (employee premiums covered at 100%; spouse and family premiums at 50%).
• Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance options.
• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Paid holidays.
• Retirement plan, with TRS eligibility and the option to elect ORP subject to the stated hours and duration conditions.

What This Job Offers

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