Job Description

The Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA) Group, part of the High Energy Physics (HEP) Division at Argonne National Laboratory, seeks a postdoctoral research associate to conduct experimental, computational and theoretical research in accelerator science & technologies. The AWA’s mission is to carry out the R&D needed to develop the next generation of accelerators.  Its research portfolio includes the development of beam-driven Wakefield acceleration, the generation of bright electron beams, and the deployment of novel beam-manipulation techniques for precise electron-beam shaping.  The AWA facility incorporates several RF photocathode electron beamlines (a 70 MeV linear accelerator complemented with a beam-shaper, a 15 MeV linear accelerator and a 3 MeV cathode test stand) and a large experimental switchyard dedicated to research in advanced accelerator R&D.   The AWA facility pioneered the development of beam-driven structure-Wakefield acceleration (SWFA).

Position Description:

The AWA Group performs hands-on, cutting-edge research along multiple accelerator R&D thrusts including advanced acceleration concepts, machine learning for accelerators, beam physics and accelerator technologies, high-gradient RF structures, novel diagnostics and novel cathode developments.  Over the next five years, the AWA plans to expand its program in machine learning applications to beam control and virtual diagnostics and to demonstrate critical SWFA experiments (e.g. a collinear Wakefield energy doubler and a 500-MeV two-beam accelerator) in support of future linear colliders, soft X-ray light sources and compact accelerators. We are a hands-on group that performs a mix of in-house staff-driven research and a closely related collaborator-driven research program.

The successful candidate will:

(1) majorly participate in AWA’s ongoing accelerator research programs in machine learning and beam manipulation to develop new beam physics capabilities and improved accelerator beamline operations

(2) assist with the development of AWA’s beam-driven Wakefield acceleration schemes

(3) help to maintain AWA’s cathode test stand for collaborative research

Position Requirements

Required experience:

• Demonstrated ability with beam dynamics for particle accelerators and their operational principles

• Demonstrated ability to perform beam dynamics simulations, run simulation codes, and perform accelerator beamline design

• Ability to implement ML/AI technologies in an accelerator environment

Desired experience:

• Desire experience with structure Wakefield acceleration, plasma Wakefield acceleration, collinear Wakefield acceleration and two beam acceleration

• Desire experience with RF photoinjector beamlines (including the RF and laser systems) and to operate an accelerator

• Desire experience with computer programming languages, Python and C/C++

General requirements:

• Ph.D. in Physics or Engineering with a focus on the particle accelerators with 0 to 3 years of experience or equivalent

• Enjoys working in teams, including the ability to interact well with external collaborators, while operating in a transparent & friendly work environment

• Thinks and works independently and innovatively to develop creative solutions

• Respects, understands, and values individual differences

• Abides by all environment, safety, and health regulations

• Good verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to write research reports and publications

• Organizational skills and attention to detail Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork

The following documents are required to apply for this position. - Research Statement - Official Graduate School Transcript - CV (including publications & presentations). In addition, please arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to: hep_letters@anl.gov.  For full consideration please submit all materials by February 9, 2024.  This position will remain open until it is filled.

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