Postdoctoral Fellow

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

 

In this exciting role, you will work on experiments at the BELLA PW to explore advanced laser ion acceleration regimes to generate high energy proton and ion beams for applications. This involves working on the development of innovative plasma and particle diagnostics, the manipulation of key laser pulse parameters such as the temporal contrast, and novel target technologies that enable high laser shot rates. Combining these experimental methods with numerical simulations will enable in-depth investigation and optimization of advanced ion acceleration regimes. You will also take part in other general experimental BELLA Center activities.

 

What You Will Do:

• Design and perform experiments to investigate advanced laser ion acceleration regimes to generate high energy proton and ion beams for applications, e.g. in radiobiology or high energy density plasma studies.
• Design, build and characterize innovative ion beam and target plasma diagnostics that can operate at high laser shot rates, to investigate seminal aspects of the acceleration process.
• Establish techniques to manipulate important PW laser pulse parameters and investigate how they affect the laser ion acceleration efficiency. 
• Build, automate and test targetry systems for rapid insertion and alignment of targets and plasma mirrors that can operate at high laser shot rates.
• Interface with numerical simulation efforts to interpret experimental results.
• Take part in other experimental BELLA Center activities such as those directed at laser-wakefield acceleration of electrons and post-wakefield-acceleration of ions.
• Analyze, document and communicate the results of work in reports and oral presentations, including participation in regular meetings, contributions to reviews, reports, conferences and publications in refereed journals.

 

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Design and implement ion transport beamlines for irradiation studies with laser accelerated ion beams.
• Establish dosimetry systems and routines for laser accelerated ion beams.
• Conduct radiobiological or high energy density plasma experiments at the BELLA PW.
• Use modeling tools to conduct simulations of laser matter interaction, energy loss of ions in matter and ion beam transport and focusing systems.

 

What is Required:

• PhD in Physics or Engineering.
• Experimental experience with at least one of the following: 
• The design and execution of laser ion acceleration experiments. 
• The design and characterization of active ion beam diagnostics and/or high energy density plasma diagnostics.
• High repetition rate targetry systems for laser-plasma acceleration experiments.
• Ability to work closely in a team with other scientists, postdocs, graduate students and technicians.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

 

Desired Qualifications:

• Experimental experience with high power laser architecture and laser pulse diagnostics.
• Experience with modeling tools for simulations of laser matter interaction, energy loss of ions in matter or ion beam transport and focusing systems.

 

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.
• 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 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.

 

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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.

 

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