Senior Source Scientist

ZEISS Group•Dublin, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Source Scientist will be responsible for X-ray Source & Electron-Optics Design, including modeling electron gun architectures and developing electrostatic and magnetic lens systems. The role involves performing charged particle trajectory simulations and designing X-ray target materials and cooling strategies. Key responsibilities also include Fundamental Electron–Target Interaction Research, such as modeling electron energy deposition and investigating novel target concepts, as well as developing experimental setups for X-ray characterization. The scientist will lead Prototype Development & Characterization, including building, testing, and iterating source prototypes, and collaborating with various engineering teams. Furthermore, the role involves System Level Integration & Collaboration, working with imaging system architects and supporting integration into instrument platforms. The position also entails Scientific Leadership & Project Management, owning research projects, mentoring junior engineers, and fostering innovation within ADD. ZEISS emphasizes innovation, outstanding achievements, and a commitment to science and society.

Requirements

PhD or Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field with specialization in electron optics, charged‑particle systems, vacuum devices, or radiation physics.
Demonstrated experience designing or modeling electron guns, electron‑optical lenses, or charged‑particle transport systems.
Hands‑on prototype development, experimental setup design, and quantitative characterization experience.
Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and marketing teams.
Fluency in English is required, including technical terminology.
Ability to work with and understand the work product of team members from all R&D‑related departments, as well as Manufacturing and Marketing.
Exceptional communication skills to resolve technical challenges between mechanical, electrical, and software engineering; advanced development; manufacturing; and marketing.

Nice To Haves

Experience with X‑ray generation, X‑ray targets, high‑vacuum systems, or miniaturized radiation sources strongly preferred.
Experience in X‑ray tomography systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and model electron gun architectures (thermionic, field emission, or other advanced emitters) with emphasis on beam quality, focusing, brightness, and stability.
Develop electrostatic and magnetic lens systems, beam shaping elements, and electron-optical column architectures.
Perform charged particle trajectory simulations (e.g., using COMSOL, CST, SIMION, etc.) to optimize beam transport, spot size, and landing characteristics.
Design and evaluate target materials, geometries, and cooling strategies to optimize X-ray generation efficiency and spectral characteristics.
Model electron energy deposition, bremsstrahlung yield, characteristic line emission, and thermal/mechanical load in X-ray targets.
Investigate novel target concepts (rotating, liquid metal, multilayer, nanostructured, etc.) to enhance flux, brightness, and lifetime.
Develop experimental setups to characterize X-ray output, stability, and source degradation pathways.
Lead the build, testing, and iteration of source prototypes, including electron optical assemblies, targets, housings, and diagnostic instrumentation.
Quantitatively characterize beam properties, X-ray spectra, flux, temporal stability, and thermal behavior.
Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, software, and system engineering teams to ensure compatibility and readiness for system level integration.
Work with imaging system architects to ensure alignment between source performance and overall imaging requirements (resolution, contrast, speed).
Support integration into instrument platforms, including vacuum interfaces, alignment tolerances, power electronics, and control algorithms.
Contribute to development of source health monitoring, control loops, and advanced source stabilization strategies.
Own research projects from conception through execution, including planning, risk assessment, and reporting.
Mentor junior engineers, interns, and visiting researchers in electron optics and X-ray source physics.
Foster innovation culture within ADD by identifying emerging technologies and strategic opportunities.