Open-Rank Research Scientist in Ultrafast Laser Science at CXFEL Labs

Position Title             Open-Rank Research Scientist in Ultrafast Laser Science at CXFEL Labs

Location                     Tempe, AZ

Position Type             Academic Professional, Fixed Term, Year-to-year

Position URL             TBD

Position Description

We invite you to apply to our full-time open-rank Research Scientist position focused on developing and applying ultrafast laser techniques at the Compact X-ray Free-Electron Laser (CXFEL) Labs at Arizona State University (ASU).

The Beus CXFEL facility comprises 12,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art laboratory space in the new Biodesign C building on the Tempe campus. ASU has embarked on a multi-phase project to develop powerful X-ray beams, beginning with the Compact X-ray Light Source (CXLS) which is in its final phase of commissioning. CXLS combines a compact electron accelerator with high-intensity laser pulses to produce X-rays via inverse Compton scattering (ICS). The laboratory is equipped with multiple laser systems, including a Yb-based laser providing ultrashort UV pulses for electron injection, a Ti:sapphire amplifier system with parametric frequency conversion for sample excitation from the UV to mid-IR, and a cutting-edge 200 Watt Trumpf DIRA Yb:YAG thin-disk regenerative amplifier delivering intense pulses at 1-kHz repetition rate for ICS in the hard X-ray regime. Moreover, a fully-coherent XFEL has been designed and proposed for construction, which will combine novel electron accelerator and next-generation laser technologies to generate soft X-ray pulses with high stability and pulse durations approaching the attosecond regime. These unique ultrafast X-ray sources will be employed for time-resolved studies of atomic and molecular processes, quantum materials, chemical dynamics, and biological phenomena. For additional details, please see https://biodesign.asu.edu/cxfel.

In this position, you will take on a leadership role in laser science at CXFEL Labs commensurate with experience. This includes the design, development, and operation of advanced laser setups, femtosecond synchronization of multiple laser amplifiers with accelerator RF systems, and integration of sophisticated controls and diagnostics of photon and electron beams with optical techniques. Implement plans for OPA/OPCPA schemes to generate tunable ultrashort laser pulses spanning UV, visible, and mid-infrared spectral regions. Conduct time-resolved x-ray studies in solid, gas, and liquid targets. Work in multidisciplinary teams and with facility users, in different research areas and academic units to perform cutting-edge experiments. Train and supervise students and postdocs, develop protocols and prepare reports. Review the scientific literature to develop research plans, interpret results, and publish scientific findings. Devise or help draw up new research proposals for funding along with producing content for research publications and presentations.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field Extensive expertise in ultrafast laser science (experimental research or R&D) and basic familiarity with X-ray technology Excellent verbal, presentation, and scientific/technical writing skills Ability to work within a multidisciplinary project team

Preferred qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates who have experience, including postdoctoral research, in one or more of the following areas: high-intensity/power ultrafast lasers and optics, development of ultrafast laser and/or parametric sources, applications of lasers to accelerator or XFEL experiments, laser timing and synchronization, and light-matter interactions.

Application Instructions

• A cover letter specifying relevant qualifications and training Curriculum Vitae or Resume Publication List Statement of current research interests and expertise Contact information for three professional references

The next review date is October 17, 2022. Applicant reviews will continue every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed. However, as long as the position is not filled, review will continue every two weeks thereafter until the search is closed.

A background check is required for employment. The full-time appointment will be initially for one year with the possibility of extension subject to performance and continued funding. The salary will be commensurate with achievements and experience. Questions should be addressed to Dr. Robert A. Kaindl (kaindl@asu.edu).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

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