PhD Position in Physics at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, California

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Accelerator Tech-Applied Physics (ATAP) Division has an opening for a Physicist Postdoctoral Scholar to join the team.

This is a full-time, five-year postdoctoral appointment. Successful PhD candidate will proactively promote and participate in matters relating to safety and environmentally sensitive work practices.

Summary

Scholarship Sponsor	Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Scholarships level	PhD Position
Award Amount	Salary
Fellowship Period	Five years
Study area	Physics or Engineering
Opening date	March 01, 2021
Closing date	Open

Project Description

The BELLA Center at LBNL’s ATAP Division is developing high-quality, high energy LPAs for high energy physics and light source applications. In this exciting role, you will carry out experiments on LPAs that utilize the petawatt laser system, such as 10GeV single-stage optimization, including novel injection methods and staging of LPAs.

What You Will Do

• Aid in the design, assembly, and operation of experiments on single and multi-stage laser-plasma acceleration of electrons
• Analysis of experimental data and physics modeling of the results
• Communicate results through internal reports, internal and external presentations, and peer-reviewed publications
• Assist in the operation of a petawatt class laser system and associated ultra-fast optical diagnostics
• Participate in other LPA related experiments. These can include LPA-based sources of short wavelength radiation, including free-electron lasers and Thomson scattering sources, ion beam acceleration and applications.
• Work collaboratively with other scientists (theorists and experimentalists), engineers, postdocs, technicians, and students
• Adhere to ES&H policies and attend required training as required

Application Deadline

The applications are open now

Eligibility Criteria

What is Required

• PhD in Physics or Engineering
• Experience in the design, construction, and operation of high-intensity laser-plasma experiments. This can include laser technology, optics, plasma physics, advanced diagnostics, and the generation of LPA-based light sources.
• Sufficient programming expertise to successfully analyze experimental data.
• Interest in high energy density science. 
• Capability to be flexible and creative in pursuing new topics and carrying out forefront research in the area of high field laser-matter interactions.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work effectively in a team that includes engineers, computer scientists, scientific staff, technicians, and students
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• Experience machine learning.
• Experience with design and implementation of experimental control systems.
• Experience in modelling laser-matter interactions with a particle in cell codes.
• Knowledge of particle optics and accelerator physics

Notes

• This is a five-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. 
• A union represents this position for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the position’s responsibilities and requirements. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Berkeley Lab. Our excellence can only be fully realized by faculty, students, and staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates for our faculty positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Apply Now