Senior Scientist, Laser-Plasma Accelerators & X-ray Sources

University of Texas; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for High Energy Density Science (CHEDS) seeks an accomplished experimental physicist to lead a program on laser wakefield electron accelerators, laser-driven x-ray sources, and related physics. The role includes building UT’s laser-based x-ray capability for semiconductor and medical applications and contributing to national and international projects.

This highly independent position involves leading proposals, supervising researchers and students, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or related field with 6+ years post-PhD research experience in experimental laser-plasma physics or accelerator science.
• Proven record of leading laser wakefield and laser-driven x-ray experiments, supported by peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience with x-ray imaging or scattering techniques, detectors, optics and data reconstruction.
• Experience with high-power (50 TW) Ti:sapphire laser systems and external laser facilities.
• History of securing external research funding and leading major proposal components.

Responsibilities

• Lead the research program on laser wakefield accelerators and laser-driven x-ray sources at UT Austin.
• Develop laser‑based x‑ray diagnostics for semiconductor and medical applications.
• Lead the TeX-Ray beamline design, commissioning, and operation and support laser development.
• Co-lead UT’s role in the LSU LaNeXT project and develop related user-programs and funding.
• Publish results, present at conferences, and supervise postdoctoral researchers and students.

Skills

Laser wakefield acceleration

X-ray generation

High-power lasers

External funding experience

Supervision of researchers

Education

PhD in Physics

Tools

Ti:sapphire lasers

X-ray diagnostics

Job description

The University of Texas at Austin’s Center for High Energy Density Science (CHEDS) seeks an accomplished experimental physicist to lead a program on laser wakefield electron accelerators, laser-driven x-ray sources, and related physics. The role includes building UT’s laser-based x-ray capability for semiconductor and medical applications and contributing to national and international projects.

This highly independent position involves leading proposals, supervising researchers and students, and