Physics Today
Research Associate - Ultrafast Electron Diffraction(Job ID 6508)
Physics Today, Menlo Park, California, United States, 94029
The Accelerator Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a Research Associate to develop cutting‑edge megaelectronvolt (MeV) electron beam capabilities and ultrafast laser techniques that will enhance the science program and support the ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) community. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead cutting‑edge research at the MeV‑UED photoinjector‑based electron accelerator, which is part of SLAC's Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) national user facility. LCLS is one of the world's premier research environments, providing an internationally leading capability in the form of the world's first hard X‑ray free electron laser, with the recent addition of the Megaelectronvolt Ultrafast Electron Diffraction (MeV‑UED) instrument to further enhance its scientific reach.
LCLS operates the MeV‑UED user facility for a global community of scientists, providing ultra‑short pulses of electrons to multiple experimental instrument configurations focused on specific areas of science. A major upgrade project is currently underway that will further transform the MeV‑UED facility, extending its capabilities to include kilohertz (kHz) repetition‑rate pump‑probe experiments, development of a new electron gun design, installation of an additional beamline, THz and mm‑wave temporal bunch‑length and arrival‑time diagnostics, and ultimately scaling operations to achieve megahertz (MHz) repetition‑rate superconducting radio‑frequency (SCRF) operation.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Conduct R&D to develop new ultrafast laser techniques, diagnostics, and electron beam capabilities to enhance the scientific reach of the MeV‑UED facility.
Assist with laser and e‑beam operation support for user and in‑house R&D experiments.
Work with MeV‑UED staff to carry out facility upgrade activities and to assist with experimental setup and preparation.
Attend weekly meetings, workshops, collaboration meetings, and conferences to present and disseminate results to colleagues and the scientific community.
Note: This is a two‑year fixed‑term position with the possibility of extension. Research Associates are engaged with the design, support, operation and/or scientific development of the major programs of the laboratory, under the guidance of their supervisor. They are expected to work with a significant degree of independence on one or more specific tasks in support of the research program, frequently interacting with the laboratory's scientific community.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or related field.
Strong experimental and hardware skills.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Applicants will be evaluated on research experience and accomplishments in their field of expertise. Please submit a cover letter, a CV (Resume) with a list of publications, research experience, and accomplishments.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with ultrafast lasers and optical setups.
Experience with electron beam diagnostics, accelerator operation, and modeling of accelerator systems.
Experience in developing software tools for scientific analysis.
Demonstrated experience and capabilities in building and commissioning hardware and carrying out experiments.
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LCLS operates the MeV‑UED user facility for a global community of scientists, providing ultra‑short pulses of electrons to multiple experimental instrument configurations focused on specific areas of science. A major upgrade project is currently underway that will further transform the MeV‑UED facility, extending its capabilities to include kilohertz (kHz) repetition‑rate pump‑probe experiments, development of a new electron gun design, installation of an additional beamline, THz and mm‑wave temporal bunch‑length and arrival‑time diagnostics, and ultimately scaling operations to achieve megahertz (MHz) repetition‑rate superconducting radio‑frequency (SCRF) operation.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Conduct R&D to develop new ultrafast laser techniques, diagnostics, and electron beam capabilities to enhance the scientific reach of the MeV‑UED facility.
Assist with laser and e‑beam operation support for user and in‑house R&D experiments.
Work with MeV‑UED staff to carry out facility upgrade activities and to assist with experimental setup and preparation.
Attend weekly meetings, workshops, collaboration meetings, and conferences to present and disseminate results to colleagues and the scientific community.
Note: This is a two‑year fixed‑term position with the possibility of extension. Research Associates are engaged with the design, support, operation and/or scientific development of the major programs of the laboratory, under the guidance of their supervisor. They are expected to work with a significant degree of independence on one or more specific tasks in support of the research program, frequently interacting with the laboratory's scientific community.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or related field.
Strong experimental and hardware skills.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Applicants will be evaluated on research experience and accomplishments in their field of expertise. Please submit a cover letter, a CV (Resume) with a list of publications, research experience, and accomplishments.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with ultrafast lasers and optical setups.
Experience with electron beam diagnostics, accelerator operation, and modeling of accelerator systems.
Experience in developing software tools for scientific analysis.
Demonstrated experience and capabilities in building and commissioning hardware and carrying out experiments.
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