Lead Accelerator Scientist - Photoinjector Operations

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA's Department of Physics and Astronomy seeks a highly qualified candidate for a full-time Assistant Project Scientist in accelerator physics. The successful candidate will lead experimental research using high-brightness electron beams and manage the Pegasus photoinjector facility.

They will balance independent work with collaboration, ensuring safe and reliable beamline operation while developing Inverse Compton Scattering experiments and related applications, and contributing to

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in physics, accelerator science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least three years of relevant research experience in accelerator-based X-ray experiments.
• Demonstrated experience with high-brightness electron beams, RF photoinjectors, beam diagnostics, and coherent radiation generation/characterization.
• Experience operating, commissioning, maintaining, or upgrading an accelerator beamline with troubleshooting.
• Record of scientific publication and strong written/oral communication.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily operation of the Pegasus photoinjector and beamlines, including startup, tuning, optimization, shutdown, and scheduling.
• Maintain and improve accelerator systems and diagnostics in coordination with UCLA staff and vendors.
• Plan and lead commissioning, maintenance, and upgrade activities; maintain procedures and records.
• Develop experiments on Inverse Compton Scattering and Bremmstrahlung X-ray production using high-brightness beams.
• Support students, postdocs, collaborators, and users through training and hands-on guidance.
• Use modeling with measurements to understand beam dynamics and guide capabilities.
• Prepare publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and grant proposals.
• Contribute to the broader UCLA research program through planning, coordination, mentoring, procurement, and safety compliance.

Skills

Three+ years experience

High-brightness electron beams

Accelerator beamline operation

Publication & communication

Education

Ph.D. in physics/accelerator science/electrical engineering

Tools

RF photoinjectors

Beam diagnostics

Safety & radiation controls

Job description

UCLA's Department of Physics and Astronomy seeks a highly qualified candidate for a full-time Assistant Project Scientist in accelerator physics. The successful candidate will lead experimental research using high-brightness electron beams and manage the Pegasus photoinjector facility.

They will balance independent work with collaboration, ensuring safe and reliable beamline operation while developing Inverse Compton Scattering experiments and related applications, and contributing to