Physicist Postdoctoral Scholar

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

This position will work in the Berkeley Accelerator Controls and Instrumentation (BACI) program at the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division to develop adaptive feedback control and instrumentations using physics-informed machine learning (ML) for compact accelerators. Work will include operation and experiments using the High Repetition-rate Electron Scattering (HiRES) compact ultra-fast electron diffraction (UED) beamline.

This role will be responsible for operating HiRES for experiments as well as utilizing HiRES as an accelerator physics research tool for the development of physics-informed and physics-constrained ML tools. The work will require operating the HiRES UED and simulating electron beam dynamics within HiRES, and develop advanced controls and diagnostics and novel ML tools that incorporate physics constraints in order to speed up computationally intensive electrodynamics simulations and for optimization, non-invasive diagnostics, and adaptive control for intense charged particle beams. 

What You Will Do:

• Participate in the design, operation and analysis of experimental campaigns using the HiRES beamline. 
• Conduct research to develop particle accelerator diagnostics and controls, including AI/ML methods. 
• Participate in research involving photocathode, UED, and related accelerator science. 
• Document and communicate results of work in journal publications and oral presentations, and participate in meetings, conferences, and program reviews. 
• Work collaboratively with BACI program and ATAP Division scientists, engineers, post-doctoral scholars, technicians, operational staff, and students. 
• Adhere to DOE and LBNL safety guidelines and safety culture, and contribute to an inclusive and supportive work environment for all. This includes carrying out LBNL’s core mission on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access). 

What is Required:

• Recent Ph.D. in Physics or related fields with up to 3 years of experience.  
• Strong accelerator and beam physics background.
• Hands-on experience with RF accelerator and/or photocathode systems, particle accelerators and components such as magnets and RF cavities.
• Experience with beam diagnostics and controls. 
• Experience of performing particle accelerator R&D, including a track record of publications in the field.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work closely and effectively in a team with other scientists, engineers, postdoctoral scholars, students, and technicians. 
• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with professional staff both within and outside Berkeley Lab.
• Ability to work effectively in a safety-focused environment and conduct work in accordance with safety rules and systems. 
• Code development experience in Python, C/C++, or Matlab.

Desired Qualifications:

• Working experience with utilizing GPUs for machine learning (such as the tensorflow-gpu libraries).
• Practical experience with machine learning methods including gaussian processes and various neural network architectures (CNN, variational autoencoder, etc.).
• Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, etc.
• Graduate level knowledge of optimization and numerical methods.
• Experience in numerical methods and high-performance computing.
• Experience in operations of systems to HiRES and/or these methods is an asset. 

Salary:

The monthly salary range for this position is $4,636-$7,371 and is expected to start at $6,477 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.

Notes:

• 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.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• 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 will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status.
Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.