High Power Laser & Particle Accelerator Postdoctoral Scholars

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division has multiple openings for postdoctoral scholars to join the BELLA Center and advance laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) technologies for high-energy particle beams, next-generation light sources, and novel radiation applications.

About the role

Under the direction of faculty mentors, you will investigate topics such as LPA stabilization, ultra-high-brightness electron beam production for free-electron lasers, AI/ML-based control systems, start-to-end simulations, radiation diagnostics, and proof-of-principle radiation experiments. You will participate in BELLA-led and collaborative experimental campaigns supported through the LaserNetUS and BeamNetUS networks, gaining research experience to build an independent academic or research career.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and execution of experiments to optimize the performance of laser-plasma accelerators, the particle and photon radiation pulses they produce, and novel applications, including:
  • Single-stage and multi-stage laser-plasma acceleration of electrons
  • Production of proton and muon beams
  • Generation of UV, EUV, X-ray, and gamma-ray radiation
• Help maintain and develop rigorous operational procedures for multi-TW to PW-class laser systems.
• Study and apply feedback control methods to stabilize amplified, ultrashort laser pulses and the radiation output they produce.
• Explore advanced control concepts, including machine learning and AI integration, for accelerator systems.
• Assist with simulation studies to refine approaches to single-stage and multi-stage laser-plasma acceleration of relativistic electron beams.
• Assist with simulation studies to identify novel schemes for producing and using high-brightness electron beams for radiation production through mechanisms such as free-electron laser gain, plasma-based betatron emission, and Inverse Compton Scattering.
• Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and theorists.
• Document and communicate results in reports, oral presentations, meetings, reviews, conferences, and refereed journal publications.
• Assist with regular experimental operations of multi-TW and PW-class laser systems.

Requirements

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, or a related field focused on accelerator physics, lasers, plasmas, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated experimental experience working in high-power laser or particle accelerator facilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard equipment such as motion controllers, pressure controllers, machine vision cameras, and power supplies.
• Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following: CPA laser systems, accelerator physics, plasma-based accelerators, and accelerator-based generation of secondary radiation (photons and particles).
• Ability to work closely in a team and be self-driven.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge and experience with programming in Python and/or LabVIEW.

Pay

This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. The salary range is $5,756 – $9,136/month, with an expected starting salary of $7,987/month or above based on a step schedule. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract, with each step representing one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 2-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs. Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.