Postdoctoral Scholar

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Scholar at the BELLA Center to develop laser plasma accelerator technologies for use in light source applications. 

In this exciting role, you will train under the direction and supervision of faculty mentors in preparation for academic or research careers. You will explore novel methods in the field, including stabilization of LPA systems and production of ultra-high brightness electron beams for use in free-electron lasers. Other topics include development of advanced controls leveraging AI/ML, start-to-end simulation studies and diagnostic development.

What You Will Do:

• Assist in the design and execution of experiments to optimize performance of laser plasma accelerator driven free electron laser. 
• Help maintain and develop rigorous operational procedures to ensure consistent and reliable operation of 100TW class laser systems. 
• Study and apply feedback control methods to stabilize amplified, ultrashort laser pulses. Explore advanced control concepts, including machine learning, for laser systems. 
• Assist in the execution of simulation studies to refine approaches and identify novel schemes for producing and using high brightness electron beams for free electron lasers. 
• Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and theorists to efficiently execute 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.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Assist in the execution of regular experimental operations of 100 TW-class laser systems.

What is Required:

• PhD in Physics or Engineering, in the field of accelerator physics, lasers, or plasmas. 
• Experience working in high-power laser or particle accelerator facilities. 
• Familiarity with standard equipment like motion controllers, pressure controllers, machine vision cameras, power supplies, etc. 
• Knowledge in one or more of the following: 
  • CPA laser systems, 
  • Accelerator physics, 
  • The physics of free-electron lasers, 
  • Plasma-based accelerators. 
• Ability to work closely in a team with other scientists, postdocs, graduate students and technicians but also be self-driven when necessary. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with programming in Python and/or LabVIEW.

Notes:

• 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 Information: The monthly salary range for this position is $ 5,562 - $9,136 and is expected to start at $7,716 or above. 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 may be 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. REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.