Assistant Research Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TheArgonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA) Group, within theHigh Energy Physics (HEP) DivisionatArgonne National Laboratory, invites applications for an Assistant Physicist position inaccelerator science and technology. The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic research program spanningexperimental, computational, and theoretical accelerator physics.

The AWA's mission is to advance the research and development necessary to enable thenext generation of particle accelerators. Its program includes the development ofbeam-driven wakefield acceleration, the generation ofhigh-brightness electron beams, and the implementation ofnovel beam manipulation techniquesfor precise electron-beam shaping.

The AWA facility features multiple RF photocathode electron beamlines, including a70 MeV linear accelerator with beam shaping capabilities, a15 MeV linear accelerator, a3 MeV cathode test stand, and a large experimental switchyard dedicated toadvanced accelerator R&D. The AWA has played a pioneering role in the development ofbeam-driven structure wakefield acceleration (SWFA).

The AWA Group conducts hands-on, leading-edge research across a broad range of accelerator R&D areas, including:

• Advanced acceleration concepts

• Machine learning applications for accelerators

• Beam physics and accelerator technologies

• High-gradient RF structures

• Novel diagnostics

• Advanced cathode development

Over the next five years, the AWA will expand its efforts inmachine learning for beam control and virtual diagnosticsand carry out keySWFA demonstration experiments, including acollinear wakefield energy doublerand a500 MeV two-beam accelerator. These efforts support the development of futurelinear colliders, soft X-ray light sources, and compact accelerator systems.

The group maintains a highly collaborative, hands-on research environment, combiningin-house staff-led programswith a closely integratedcollaborator-driven research portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimentsin AWA's core research areas, including beam manipulation, two-beam acceleration, high-brightness beam generation, and accelerator instrumentation

• Develop new accelerator capabilitiesthrough beam dynamics modeling, diagnostics development, accelerator optimization, and commissioning of new hardware and beamlines

• Apply simulation, controls, and data analysis toolsto support accelerator operations and experimental programs

• Contribute to collaborative research effortsand help mentor students and junior researchers

Position Requirements

• Ph.D.inPhysics, Accelerator Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field

• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting experiments atparticle accelerator facilities

• Strong knowledge ofaccelerator beam dynamicsandcharged-particle beam physics

• Experience withaccelerator modeling and simulation toolsfor beam and beamline design

• Experience withaccelerator diagnostics, instrumentation, or beam characterization techniques

• Demonstrated programming experience inscientific computing and data analysis(e.g., Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar)

• Experience operating or commissioningaccelerator systemsor major accelerator subsystems

• Demonstrated ability to implementmachine learning/artificial intelligence techniquesin an accelerator environment

• The ability to work effectively inmultidisciplinary teamsand withexternal collaborators

• Demonstrated ability to developindependent research ideasand leadtechnical projects

• Excellentwritten and oral communication skills, including the preparation of publications and technical reports

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• A commitment to fostering asafe, collaborative, and inclusive research environment

• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Preferred Qualifications

• RF photoinjectors, electron sources, laser systems, or RF systems

• Beam manipulation, emittance optimization, bunch shaping, or phase-space control

• Free-electron lasers, wakefield acceleration, advanced accelerator concepts, or related applications

• Accelerator controls, automation, or machine learning for accelerator optimization

• Development or commissioning of new accelerator diagnostics or experimental hardware

RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years of experience, Masters and 3+ years, or PhD and 0+ years, or equivalent

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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.

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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.