Postdoc: LPA‑Driven FEL Modeling & Simulations

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 73,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Photon Source invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to model LPA-driven FELs. The project spans collaboration with BELLA, Berkeley Lab, UCLA, and ASU to simulate beam transport and FEL generation.

The successful candidate will develop numerical models using accelerator codes, perform beam-dynamics studies, and help publish findings while contributing to future compact FEL facilities.

Qualifications

• PhD in accelerator physics or closely related field within the past 0-5 years.
• Candidates with PhDs in physics, computational science, or related fields with interest in accelerator physics and FELs will also be considered.
• Programming skills including a familiarity with the UNIX environment, scientific computing languages such as Python or C.
• Demonstrated background in computational modeling or numerical simulation for science.
• Ability to work within a multi-lab collaboration and with a wide range of scientific and engineering experts.

Responsibilities

• Develop a detailed numerical model of the BELLA‑lab experiment using accelerator tracking and FEL codes such as ELEGANT, IMAPCT, GENESIS, etc.
• Perform beam‑dynamics studies of the propagation and subsequent manipulation of the high‑brightness, ultra‑short beams produced by LPAs.
• Develop techniques to optimize the LPA beam for radiation generation in the FEL, such as manipulating the longitudinal phase phase and/or tailoring/tapering the undulator strength.
• Investigating applications at shorter X‑ray wavelengths.
• Preparing technical notes to guide future studies of a LPA‑based FEL facility, and writing up research findings for peer‑reviewed publication.

Skills

UNIX environment familiarity

Python

C

Computational modeling

Education

PhD in accelerator physics or related field

Tools

ELEGANT

IMAPCT

GENESIS

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Photon Source invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to model LPA-driven FELs. The project spans collaboration with BELLA, Berkeley Lab, UCLA, and ASU to simulate beam transport and FEL generation.

The successful candidate will develop numerical models using accelerator codes, perform beam-dynamics studies, and help publish findings while contributing to future compact FEL facilities.