Researcher with Specialization in Charged Particle Beam Dynamics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a researcher position to work with charged particle beam dynamics for a novel X-ray laser at the FREIA Laboratory. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is the second largest department at Uppsala University with more than 360 employees and 11 different divisions, situated at the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala. The department is hosting the FREIA Laboratory that performs research towards future particle accelerators and research instrumentation. The FREIA laboratory operates complex equipment such as cryostats and microwave equipment for testing accelerators and instruments. Current projects focus on the European Spallation Source (ESS), the MAX IV Laboratory, the High Luminosity upgrade of the LHC at CERN, the development of free-electron lasers, and the development of a compact X-ray laser and instrumentation in Uppsala.

The candidate is offered the possibility to work in an exciting modern research area in physics and will have opportunities to interact and collaborate with leading groups in experimental physics and engineering.

Subject Description: The FREIA Laboratory is exploring cutting-edge concepts in charged particle beam physics with the aim of designing a user-oriented X-ray laser based on a compact superconducting (SC) accelerator and a laser undulator. The X-ray laser must provide high-repetition-rate, femtosecond X-ray pulses with a brightness comparable to that of large-scale synchrotrons. The successful candidate will work on two projects during different periods of the employment: (i) computer design of a SC accelerator with a focus on beam dynamics simulations; (ii) computer design and experimental construction of a photocathode electron gun.

Work Description: The planned compact accelerator consists of an ultrahigh frequency CW gun followed by a SC booster, then by a system for nanobunching of the electron beam, and followed further by the main SC accelerator and an emittance exchange (EEX) line. The successful candidate will perform start-to-end simulations of beam transport from the cathode though the SC accelerator and a laser undulator to an electron dump. In particular, the candidate will work on a design of an aberration-free EEX line, which is based on an original approach with SC cavities. The candidate will also investigate the operation of the EEX as a bunch compressor.

In the second project, the successful candidate will commission a commercial DC photocathode gun, develop an electron beam transport system and diagnostics instrumentation. The DC photogun will be a test stand for advanced beam dynamics studies such as the blow-out bunch generation. It will also be used for electron diffraction applications and the candidate will design and develop an achromatic bend for control of the space-charge-induced energy chirp.

The work also includes: regular presentations of the results in the presence of specialists on different topics, in Uppsala or at other laboratories. Assist in the overall development and evaluation of instrumentation and experiments at the FREIA Laboratory. Actively contribute to supervision of students. Regular travel is required for national and international projects.

Prerequisites: The applicant must have a doctoral degree, at the start of employment, in physics or a related area. You shall demonstrate a drive and determination to achieve results, be open minded and flexible in relation to the type of work assigned. You shall take responsibility, shall organize multiple tasks simultaneously, and have a genuine interest in research and technology.

The following knowledge, experience and competencies are required:

• Solid knowledge of charged particle beam dynamics.
• Solid experience of designing charged particle transport systems in different energy ranges.
• Willing to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Effective ability to lead work.
• Very motivated, innovative and curious.
• Strong ability to combine ideas and topics from different areas.
• Ability to read and understand technical information.
• Ability to communicate well both technically and at a general scientific level.
• Ability to produce good written work and reports.
• Suitable for employment to work with ionizing radiation.
• Available for short travels and occasional stays elsewhere (courses, seminars etc.).
• Good oral and written proficiency in English.

The following experience and competencies are an advantage:

• Experience with beam dynamics simulations code Astra, GPT and Genesis.
• Experience with charged particle beam instrumentation.
• Oral and written proficiency in Swedish.

Application Procedure: The application shall be submitted in Swedish or English and must include a brief description of your research interests, relevant knowledge, relevant experience, relevant competencies, CV, copies of certificates, diplomas and other documents which the applicant wishes to claim. The applicant shall clearly identify peer-reviewed publications and provide names and contact details of at least two referees and/or attach recommendation letters.

Starting date: 01-09-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position ending 31-08-2023.

Scope of employment: 100%

For further information about the position please contact: Vitaliy Goryashko, vitaliy.goryashko@physics.uu.se, or Roger Ruber, roger.ruber@physics.uu.se +46-18-471 7710.

Please submit your application by 30 April 2021, UFV-PA 2021/853.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.