Researcher with specialization in high-power solid-state power amplifier development for particle accelerators

Are you interested in working with solid-state power amplifiers, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employee development and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a Researcher position at Uppsala University.

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is hosting the FREIA Division , which conducts research on future particle accelerators and scientific instrumentation. The FREIA laboratory , operated by the Division, utilizes complex equipment such as cryostats and microwave equipment for developing and testing of superconducting equipment for particle accelerators.. Current projects are connected to, for example, the European Spallation Source (ESS), MAX IV, the High Luminosity upgrade of the LHC at CERN. Additionally, FREIA is engaged in the development of free-electron lasers, superconducting magnets, and new radiofrequency amplifiers for particle accelerators. Read more on www.physics.uu.se

Project description

FREIA collaborates with SCK-CEN, the Belgian research nuclear center, to design, develop, construct, and test a solid-state amplifier operating at 704 MHz. This amplifier, with an estimated continuous-wave (CW) output power of 50 kW, would offer exceptionally high reliability made possible by using transistors and will drive part of the linear accelerator in MYRRHA, a future research facility for nuclear physics and technology. The selected candidate will play a key role in advancing particle accelerator technology by contributing to the completion and characterization of the prototype RF station in close collaboration with SCK-CEN personnel.

Duties

• Lead the design and experimental efforts in the fabrication, assembly, and testing of transistor-based base microwave power amplifiers with power levels from 1 kW per module to 20 kW and more per amplifier.
• Develop high-efficiency microwave power amplifiers.
• Develop low-loss high-power microwave combiners.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results.
• Conduct feasibility studies leading from a conceptual design to a final demonstrator.
• Present findings at conferences, workshops, and seminars to share knowledge and engage with the global scientific community, and to enhance knowledge dissemination and societal engagement.
• Author scientific articles for publication in academic journals.
• Contribute to the writing of proposals for research grants.

Requirements
Applicants must have a Swedish doctoral degree in physics or electrical engineering, or equivalent. We are looking for a person with a very good microwave engineering profile. The candidate should have a proven experience with the development of high-power solid-state power amplifiers and power combiners; hands on measurements of modules at kilowatt level and power amplifiers. The candidate must have experience with the use of a vector network analyzer (VNA), software for calculating EM-fields like HFSS, CST or similar. Very good oral and written proficiency in English, as well as the capacity to work both independently and in a team, are requirements.  International travel will be required.

Additional qualifications
A demonstrated ability to apply for and obtain research grants from external sources is a merit.

About the employment
The employment is a is a fixed-term appointment for 10 months. . Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1st May 2025 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dragos Dancila, e-mail: dragos.dancila@angstrom.uu.se, phone +46 72 366 31 80.

Please submit your application by 14 April 2025, UFV-PA 2025/925.

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