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
Job Family
Research Development (RD)
Job Profile
Physics 2
Worker Type
Regular
Time Type
Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.
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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