Assistant Physicist

The Argonne Wakefield Accelerator (AWA) Group, within the High Energy Physics (HEP) Division at Argonne National Laboratory, invites applications for an Assistant Physicist position in accelerator science and technology. The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic research program spanning experimental, computational, and theoretical accelerator physics.

The AWA’s mission is to advance the research and development necessary to enable the next generation of particle accelerators. Its program includes the development of beam-driven wakefield acceleration, the generation of high-brightness electron beams, and the implementation of novel beam manipulation techniques for precise electron-beam shaping.

The AWA facility features multiple RF photocathode electron beamlines, including a 70 MeV linear accelerator with beam shaping capabilities, a 15 MeV linear accelerator, a 3 MeV cathode test stand, and a large experimental switchyard dedicated to advanced accelerator R&D. The AWA has played a pioneering role in the development of beam-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 in machine learning for beam control and virtual diagnostics and carry out key SWFA demonstration experiments, including a collinear wakefield energy doubler and a 500 MeV two-beam accelerator. These efforts support the development of future linear colliders, soft X-ray light sources, and compact accelerator systems.

The group maintains a highly collaborative, hands-on research environment, combining in-house staff-led programs with a closely integrated collaborator-driven research portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments in AWA’s core research areas, including beam manipulation, two-beam acceleration, high-brightness beam generation, and accelerator instrumentation

• Develop new accelerator capabilities through beam dynamics modeling, diagnostics development, accelerator optimization, and commissioning of new hardware and beamlines

• Apply simulation, controls, and data analysis tools to support accelerator operations and experimental programs

• Contribute to collaborative research efforts and help mentor students and junior researchers

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in Physics, Accelerator Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field

• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting experiments at particle accelerator facilities

• Strong knowledge of accelerator beam dynamics and charged-particle beam physics

• Experience with accelerator modeling and simulation tools for beam and beamline design

• Experience with accelerator diagnostics, instrumentation, or beam characterization techniques

• Demonstrated programming experience in scientific computing and data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar)

• Experience operating or commissioning accelerator systems or major accelerator subsystems

• Demonstrated ability to implement machine learning/artificial intelligence techniques in an accelerator environment

• The ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams and with external collaborators

• Demonstrated ability to develop independent research ideas and lead technical projects

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the preparation of publications and technical reports

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• A commitment to fostering a safe, 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

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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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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.