Project Scientist, Laser R&D

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Accelerator Technology and Applied Physics Division has an opening for a Project Scientist, Laser R&D to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will perform and participate in research and development to improve the control, quality, and application-readiness of the BELLA Center laser systems within Accelerator Technology and Applied Physics (ATAP). This involves work on diagnostic development & optical measurements, optical systems design, opto-mechanics implementation & testing, and subsequent optimization of the laser parameters of interest. These include a wide range of parameters such as the temporal pulse contrast, the pulse duration, the spectral phase profile, the overall laser energy, transmission, and efficiency, transverse mode shaping, hot-spot mitigation, coherent fiber combination, integrated fiber amplification concepts, laser controls including FPGA integration, active stabilization techniques with or without AI/ML technologies, and system robustness enhancement. Laser systems at the BELLA Center include free-space titanium-sapphire amplifiers at the few-Hz repetition rates, and novel fiber-integrated amplifiers at the multi-kHz rate.

What You Will Do:

• In collaboration with scientists, technicians, engineers, and other members of the team, support, co-lead, lead aspects of the ongoing research & development on state-of-the-art laser systems at the BELLA Center, and make improvements by enhancing optical quality, precision, and control.

• Troubleshoot and document issues on laser equipment and associated systems. Develop and implement solutions which include robust apparatus performance, adherence to safety regulation at the lab, while meeting the experimental needs of the program.

• Maintain, develop, upgrade and commission experimental optical systems. Document the results of projects and disseminate information to colleagues and collaborators.

• Collaborate with teams that include technicians, engineers, safety personnel, students, post-doctoral scholars, staff scientists, and project management, in areas related to high-power laser systems and their applications towards particle acceleration and photon source production.

• Attend and contribute to design review and progress meetings.

• Perform research and development following best practices, ensuring reproducible and well documented results.

• Adhere to DOE and LBNL safety guidelines and safety culture, and contribute to an inclusive and supportive work environment for all. This includes carrying out LBNL’s core mission on IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access).

What is Required:

• Experimental-oriented Ph.D. in Physics, Engineering, or related field, plus research experience, or equivalent breadth and depth in exposure to laser engineering efforts.

• Experience with high-peak-power femtosecond laser systems, ranging from controls, optical system design and commissioning, and diagnostic development, on either titanium-sapphire-based systems (or equivalent solid-state media) or ultrafast fiber-based systems (fiber amplification experience and/or coherent combination experience).

• Recognition as a high-impact contributor as evidenced by conference posters, presentations, and publications in reports, tech memos, journals, invited talks, etc.

• Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary, diverse, scientific research environment, collaborating with a variety of scientific, engineering, technical, and administrative staff at many levels.

• Ability to effectively document, present, and summarize results of research and development activities.

• Ability to learn new skills and techniques as required by the situation.

• Ability to work effectively in a safety-focused environment and conduct work in accordance with safety protocols.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all constituents including internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to plan, anticipate and identify needs, assess and resolve complex problems, develop and coordinate plans to accomplish objectives.

• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to clearly and effectively communicate with divisional leaders, managers, staff, and other stakeholders. Demonstrated skills to develop organization-level and other high-impact communications and presentations.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within collaborations.

• Proven excellent organization and multi-tasking skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment to independently establish priorities and perform multiple projects simultaneously.

Salary: 

This position is expected to pay $7,256-$13,545. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.