High Power Laser & Particle Accelerator Postdoctoral Scholars

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) invites applications for High Power Laser & Particle Accelerator Postdoctoral Scholars to join the BELLA Center in Berkeley, CA.

You will work on laser-plasma accelerator technologies, radiation generation, and advanced control using AI/ML, with collaboration across scientists, engineers and theorists, and produce results for future independent research careers.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related field focused on accelerator physics, lasers, plasmas, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experimental experience in high power laser or particle accelerator facilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard equipment like motion controllers, pressure controllers, machine vision cameras, power supplies, etc.
• Knowledge in CPA laser systems, accelerator physics, plasma-based accelerators, and accelerator-based generation of secondary radiation.
• Ability to work in a team with scientists, postdocs, grad students and technicians and be self-driven.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Assist with regular experimental operations of multi-TW and PW-class laser systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and execution of experiments to optimize laser-plasma accelerators and generated radiation pulses.
• Maintain and develop operational procedures for multi-TW to PW-class laser systems.
• Study and apply feedback control methods, including ML/AI, to stabilize laser pulses and radiation output.
• Contribute to simulation studies for single-stage and multi-stage laser-plasma acceleration.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to execute tasks efficiently.
• Document results and present in meetings, reviews, and publications.

Skills

Python

LabVIEW

Experimental skills

Teamwork

Communication

Education

PhD in Physics/Engineering

Tools

Motion controllers

Pressure controllers

Machine vision cameras

Power supplies

Job description

The Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has multiple openings for High Power Laser & Particle Accelerator Postdoctoral Scholars to join the BELLA Center.

In this role, you will help advance laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) technologies for generating high-energy particle beams, developing next-generation light sources, and enabling new radiation applications. Conducted under the direction and supervision of faculty mentors, you will investigate topics such as LPA stabilization, ultra-high-brightness electron beam production for free-electron lasers, AI/ML-based control systems, start-to-end simulations, radiation diagnostics, and proof-of-principle radiation experiments. You will also take part in BELLA-led and collaborative experimental campaigns, including those supported through the LaserNetUS and BeamNetUS networks, while gaining the research experience needed to build an independent academic or research career.

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!

You will

• Assist with the design and execution experiments to optimize the performance of laser plasma accelerators, the particle & photon radiation pulses they produce, and novel applications that can be explored. This includes research on single-stage and multi-stage laser plasma acceleration of electrons, production of proton & muon beams, and generation of UV, EUV, X-ray, and gamma ray radiation.
• Help maintain and develop rigorous operational procedures to ensure consistent and reliable operation of multi-TW to PW class laser systems.
• Study and apply feedback control methods to stabilize amplified, ultrashort laser pulses and the radiation output they produce. Explore advanced control concepts, including machine learning and AI integration, for accelerator systems.
• Assist with the execution of simulation studies to refine approaches to single-stage and multi-stage laser-plasma acceleration of relativistic electron beams.
• Assist with the execution of simulation studies to refine approaches and identify novel schemes for producing and using high brightness electron beams for radiation production through mechanisms such as free-electron laser gain, plasma-based betatron emission, and Inverse Compton Scattering.
• Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and theorists to efficiently assist with the execution of the above tasks.
• Document and communicate the results of work in reports and oral presentations, including participation in meetings, reviews, conferences and publications in refereed journals.

We are looking for

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related field focused on accelerator physics, lasers, plasmas, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experimental experience working in high power laser or particle accelerator facilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard equipment like motion controllers, pressure controllers, machine vision cameras, power supplies etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following: CPA laser systems, accelerator physics, plasma-based accelerators, and accelerator-based generation of secondary radiation (photons and particles).
• Ability to work closely in a team with other scientists, postdocs, graduate students and technicians but also be self-driven.
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills.
• Assist with the execution of regular experimental operations of multi-TW and PW-class laser systems.

Desired skills/knowledge

• Knowledge and experience with programming in Python and/or LabVIEW.

Additional information

• Application date: Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
• Appointment type: This is a full-time 2-year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The salary range for this position is $5,756 - $9,136/month and is expected to start at $7,987/month or above based on a step schedule. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at:Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information).

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information.