Post Doctoral Fellow Accelerate Nb3Sn

About the Role

Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLAB) has a long-standing program for the development of alternate superconducting Radiofrequency (RF) surfaces based on thin film technologies. Encouraging results have been obtained for niobium (Nb) and Nb3Sn thin films on small laboratory samples produced by conventional PVD and energetic condensation (HiPIMS, ECR post-ionization) techniques. The development is pursued with the optimization of substrate preparation, interlayers, insulating layers, thermal treatment, target composition on small samples. RF performance is to be evaluated on simplified geometry in a quadrupole resonator (QPR) and on elliptical RF resonators (single-cell cavities). In parallel, characterization by microscopy (SEM, TEM), diffraction (XRD, EBSD), spectrometry (EDS, XPS, SIMS, AES, EELS), magnetometry and other cryogenic measurements (3rd harmonic, RRR, PCT) is done both in house and in collaboration with external institutes.

The JLab Superconducting radio frequency (SRF) research department seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate to take part in its thin film programs and particularly focus on developing the deposition of Nb3Sn on copper (Cu) primarily in the framework of compact accelerators. With guidance, the Post-doctoral Fellow will conduct research on A15 superconducting materials and associated buffer layer deposition to prevent Cu diffusion for application to compact accelerators. In particular, the incumbent is responsible for developing and optimizing a method to achieve the sought-after phases and structures by leveraging energetics to enable deposition of Nb3Sn at lower temperatures than usually possible with conventional methods. These activities also include working with surface analytical tools like SEM combined with EBSD and EDS, TEM/EELS, SIMS, and XPS. The incumbent will also work closely with the principal investigator, staff and graduate students to conduct RF evaluation at cryogenic temperatures of SRF film structures coated on QPR samples to evaluate results, which guide the optimization of deposition methods, leading to implementation of the technology on elliptical single-cell cavities, and to write reports in the form of technical notes, conference proceedings and/or peer reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Assist in deposition of Nb3Sn thin film and structures, characterize samples and devices using microscopes, physical property system and magnetometry setups, and prepare and mount samples for these experiments.
• Participate in analyzing the microstructure and properties of superconducting films and structures generated within the SRF S&T Department.
• Participate in the installation and commissioning of an upcoming cylindrical magnetron deposition setup.
• Determine solutions to technical problems by reviewing scientific and technical literature and simulation methodologies designing and executing experiments to support research.
• Conduct, analyze, and present data. Presents scientific conclusions at internal and external meetings, in technotes, proceedings and/or peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and technicians to accomplish research goals.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Superconducting RF, Material Science, or equivalent.
• Strong background in surface & thin film science with experience in one or more of the techniques mentioned above and be willing to use experimental background to crossover into the field of accelerator physics and microelectronics.
• Experience with cryogenic and/or RF measurements.
• Experience with experimental setups for superconducting measurements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with thin film deposition techniques.
• Experience in calculations and/or simulations regarding the particle interactions in matter, especially experience with MatLab, COMSOL or PIC/MC software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge in materials science & engineering, superconductivity, rf is desired.

Pay

$65,600 - $90,300 per year.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
• 401(k) Plan – 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested
• Flexible Work Arrangements (Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs