Postdoctoral Appointee - Free-Electron Lasers driven by Laser-Plasma Accelerators
- Pay
- $72,879 – $121,465 per year
- Location
- Lemont, IL USA · On-site
- Job type
- Full-time
- Level
- Mid-level
- Education
- Doctorate
- Listed
- 14 days ago
Skills & highlights for this role
- PhD in accelerator physics or closely related field
- Programming in scientific computing languages such as Python or C
- UNIX environment familiarity
- Computational modeling or numerical simulation for science
- Ability to work within multi-lab collaboration
Also useful
- Familiarity with accelerator and FEL simulation tools
- Experience with high-performance computing clusters
- Experience with laser-plasma accelerators, conventional accelerators, or X-ray generation
About the role
The Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the theoretical and numerical modeling of a compact X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) driven by an electron beam produced by a laser plasma accelerator (LPA).
We have recently joined a collaboration with the BELLA lab at Berkeley to model the electron beam transport and FEL radiation generation of their LPA-produced beams. The selected candidate will closely collaborate with the experimental team at BELLA to develop a detailed simulation of the beam transport and diagnostic measurements, with the goal to better understand and optimize the FEL performance.
The simulation efforts will be coupled with simplified theoretical models to better understand the physics, and also to project future efforts towards a compact facility capable of producing intense X-rays for science.
The successful candidate will work with a multi-disciplinary team at Argonne, Berkeley Lab, UCLA, and ASU working in accelerators, diagnostics, and radiation generation. The postdoctoral candidate will take a leading role in numerically and theoretically modeling the LPA-driven FEL at Berkeley Lab.
Research activities will include
- Developing a detailed numerical model of the BELLA-lab experiment using accelerator tracking and FEL codes such as ELEGANT, IMAPCT, GENESIS, etc.
- Performing beam-dynamics studies of the propagation and subsequent manipulation of the high-brightness, ultra-short beams produced by LPAs.
- Developing techniques to optimize the LPA beam for radiation generation in the FEL, such as manipulating the longitudinal phase phase and/or tailoring/tapering the undulator strength.
- Investigating applications at shorter X-ray wavelengths.
- Preparing technical notes to guide future studies of a LPA-based FEL facility, and writing up research findings for peer-reviewed publication.
Position Requirements
- PhD in accelerator physics or closely related field within the past 0-5 years. Candidates with PhDs in physics, computational science, or related fields with interest in accelerator physics and FELs will also be considered.
- Programming skills including a familiarity with the UNIX environment, scientific computing languages such as python or C.
- Demonstrated background in computational modeling or numerical simulation for science.
- Ability to work within a multi-lab collaboration and with a wide range of scientific and engineering experts.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Familiarity with established accelerator and FEL simulation tools.
- Experience with high-performance computing clusters for numerical modeling.
- Experience with laser-plasma accelerators, conventional accelerators, or X-ray generation.
Job Family
Postdoctoral
Job Profile
Postdoctoral Appointee
Worker Type
Long-Term (Fixed Term)
Time Type
- Full time
- The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.
Pay and benefits
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. 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, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
From Argonne's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on October 27, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
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Common questions
What is the salary for the Postdoctoral Appointee - Free-Electron Lasers driven by Laser-Plasma Accelerators role at Argonne?
The Postdoctoral Appointee - Free-Electron Lasers driven by Laser-Plasma Accelerators posting at Argonne states compensation of $72,879 – $121,465 per year. It is listed as a full-time position. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Argonne's official career site.
Where is the Postdoctoral Appointee - Free-Electron Lasers driven by Laser-Plasma Accelerators job at Argonne located?
This Postdoctoral Appointee - Free-Electron Lasers driven by Laser-Plasma Accelerators position at Argonne is located in Lemont, IL USA (On-site). Always check Argonne's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
What qualifications are required for Postdoctoral Appointee - Free-Electron Lasers driven by Laser-Plasma Accelerators at Argonne?
For the Postdoctoral Appointee - Free-Electron Lasers driven by Laser-Plasma Accelerators role, Argonne highlights a doctorate; experience with PhD in accelerator physics or closely related field, Programming in scientific computing languages such as Python or C, UNIX environment familiarity, Computational modeling or numerical simulation for science, Ability to work within multi-lab collaboration. Rolev.ai can score your existing resume against these requirements and show any skill gaps before you apply.
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