High Energy Density Science Postdoc for Initiator Applications

About the role

The Q-6 Detonation Science and Technology Group is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position spanning experimental and computational physics for high energy density (HED) science.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to building and/or modeling of a new radiography capability driven by a 10 TW Ti:Sapphire laser focused to relativistic intensities.
• Research and develop radiation sources including betatron x-rays from laser-wakefield acceleration and bremsstrahlung x-rays from laser-solid interactions.
• Design and execute experiments at facilities such as ZEUS, CSU Petawatt, ALLS, and APS synchrotron.
• Develop and use optical, x-ray, or particle diagnostics for HED systems.
• Collaborate on the development of ultrafast radiography techniques for imaging HED phenomena.
• Contribute to the understanding of high-power laser-matter interactions and hybrid candidates with experience spanning both experimental and modeling efforts are particularly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field, completed within the last five years.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar.
• Hands-on experience with laser-driven radiation sources or HED experimental platforms.
• Leveraging simulations to guide experimental design, interpret radiographic data, and inform diagnostic development.
• Use of large-scale hydrodynamic simulation frameworks such as FLASH, FLAG, HYDRA, ALEGRA, or similar.
• Use of kinetic simulation frameworks such as EPOCH, VPIC, SMILEI, OSIRIS, or similar.

Qualifications

• Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research in experimental and/or computational physics or a very closely related discipline.
• Ability to communicate both technically and interpersonally both orally and in writing. Examples include but are not limited to peer-reviewed journal publications, technical reports, and oral or poster conference presentations.
• Demonstrate a commitment to quality research, technical and scientific excellence, professional integrity, and personal initiative.