Assistant Project Scientist (Accelerator Physics)

University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA seeks an outstanding candidate for a full-time Assistant Project Scientist position in accelerator physics. The successful candidate will lead experimental research using high-brightness electron beams to generate and study coherent short-wavelength radiation and will manage day-to-day operation of the UCLA Pegasus photoinjector facility.

The role combines independent and collaborative research with responsibility for the reliable, safe operation

Qualifications

• PhD required with a record of research in accelerator-based X-ray experiments.
• At least three years of relevant research experience and publications.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily operation of the Pegasus photoinjector and beamlines; coordinate experimental schedules.
• Maintain and improve accelerator systems, diagnostics, and safety procedures.
• Plan, lead commissioning, maintenance, and upgrades; document readiness and risks.
• Develop experiments using Inverse Compton Scattering and Bremmstrahlung X-ray production.
• Support students and collaborators with training and hands-on guidance.

Skills

High-brightness beams

RF photoinjectors

Beam diagnostics

Coherent radiation generation

Scientific writing & communication

Education

PhD in physics, accelerator science, electrical engineering, or closely related field

Job description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA seeks outstanding candidates for a full-time Assistant Project Scientist position in accelerator physics. The successful candidate will lead experimental research that uses high-brightness electron beams to generate and study coherent short wavelength radiation and will manage the day-to-day operation of the UCLA Pegasus photoinjector facility. The position combines independent and collaborative research with responsibility for the reliable, safe, and effective operation of an advanced university accelerator beamline.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct daily operation of the Pegasus photoinjector and associated beamlines, including startup, beam tuning, performance optimization, shutdown, and coordination of experimental schedules.
• Maintain and improve accelerator systems and diagnostics, including radio-frequency, laser, magnet, vacuum, timing, controls, beam instrumentation, and radiation-safety systems, in coordination with UCLA technical staff and vendors.
• Plan and lead commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrade activities; establish operating procedures; maintain configuration, maintenance, and performance records; and track facility readiness and risks.
• Develop and carry out experiments on Inverse Compton Scattering and Bremmstrahlung X-ray production and applications using high-brightness electron beams, including experimental design, beam-time planning, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
• Support students, postdoctoral scholars, collaborators, and visiting users through experiment preparation, beamline training, safe-work planning, and hands-on guidance during facility operations.
• Use accelerator and radiation modeling together with experimental measurements to understand beam dynamics, improve radiation source performance, and guide future facility capabilities.
• Prepare research publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and contributions to grant proposals, and communicate results to collaborators and sponsors.
• Contribute to the broader research program of the university group through scientific planning, laboratory coordination, mentoring, procurement, and compliance with UCLA environmental health and safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in physics, accelerator science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least three years of relevant research experience and a record of work directly applicable to accelerator-based X-ray experiments.
• Demonstrated experience with high-brightness electron beams, radio-frequency photoinjectors, accelerator beam dynamics, beam diagnostics, and coherent radiation generation or characterization.
• Experience operating, commissioning, maintaining, or upgrading an accelerator beamline or comparable research facility, including systematic troubleshooting of integrated hardware and controls.
• A record of scientific publication and effective written and oral communication.

Additional qualifications:

• Ability to organize facility operations, maintain clear technical and safety documentation, coordinate multiple users and projects, and work effectively with faculty, students, technical staff, and external collaborators.

Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae; a publication list; a statement of research interests, and complete a reference check authorization release form. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2026.