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Research Associate - FEL

Job ID

6486

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Temporary

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

The Accelerator Directorate (AD) of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory has an opening for a research associate (postdoc) to work on new free electron laser (FEL) pulse shaping and amplification techniques. In particular, the position will focus on studies of fully structured x-ray beams, including ultra-short pulses carrying orbital angular momentum or featuring spatially and temporally varying polarization. Studies will involve FEL theory, simulations, and experiments conducted at the LCLS FEL at SLAC and/or at the FERMI FEL in Trieste, Italy. The effort will concentrate on the accelerator and FEL physics aspects, with the primary goal to design and experimentally validate new operating modes of structured light production for the high-repetition-rate LCLS-II and LCLS-II-HE FELs.

This position offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the intersecting disciplines of accelerator science, FEL physics, beam dynamics, and X-ray and optical lasers.

The main responsibilities of this role are:

+ Performing targeted studies of fully structured x-ray FEL pulse production and other novel pulse shaping schemes within the AD, and performing dedicated experiments at LCLS and/or FERMI

+ Working on executing and optimizing various beam shaping methods to produce the required electron beams and undulator configurations

+ Performing simulations and studies on electron beam transport (e.g., with Elegant or MAD codes) in the presence of collective effects, and simulations on FEL performance (e.g., Ginger, Genesis, Puffin)

+ Developing experience with optimizing ultrashort pulse FEL operations, including by recently developed self-modulation techniques

+ Demonstration and characterization of the developed techniques and, if successful, the implementation of the method as a core-capability at LCLS and LCLS-II.

+ Performing analysis of all data collected.

+ Disseminating results through publication, presentation and conference participation.

+ Any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope of the position.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

+ Ph.D. in a physics, or other related field.

+ Strong background in FEL physics as demonstrated through publication and conference history.

+ Experience with Genesis, Elegant or similar FEL and particle tracking codes.

+ Commitment to developing expertise in FELs and beam tailoring techniques.

+ The ability to learn and understand a broad range of hardware and software.

+ Excellent data processing and analysis skills.

+ Flexibility to travel and work off-shift hours when required.

+ Good communication, organization and interpersonal skills.

+ The ability to work well in a large, multi-disciplinary team focused on accelerator and FEL physics, operation and development.

**Note:** The Research Associate role is a fixed term staff position. This is a 2-year fixed-term appointment with the possibility of extension. Assignment duration is contingent upon project needs and funding.

Applicants must provide evidence of either a recently completed PhD degree or confirmation of completion of the PhD degree requirements prior to starting the position. Applicants should also include a cover letter, a statement of research area including brief summary of accomplishments, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and names of three references for future letters of recommendation with the application.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Experience with FEL operations at the level of machine development studies.

+ Familiarity with advanced FEL configurations (e.g., higher order modes, ultrashort pulse production, in situ polarization shaping)

SLAC employee competencies:

+ **Effective Decisions** : Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.

+ **Self-Development** : Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.

+ **Dependability** : Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.

+ **Initiative** : Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.

+ **Adaptability** : Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.

+ **Communication** : Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages

+ **Relationships** : Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

Physical requirements and Working conditions:

+ Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

+ Given the nature of this position, SLAC is open to on-site and hybrid work options.

Work standards:

+ Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

+ Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1¿General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf

+ Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

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**Classification Title:** Research Associate-Experimental

**Grade:** G

**Job code:** 0127

**Duration:** Fixed Term

_The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs._

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.