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
Job Family
Research Development (RD)
Job Profile
Physics 2
Worker Type
Regular
Time Type
Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.
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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