Postdoctoral Research Assistant in laser-driven plasma accelerators

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in in laser-driven plasma accelerators.

The post is available for a fixed-term duration of 30 months.

This project will focus on developing plasma-modulated plasma accelerators (P-MoPAs).

The successful candidates will undertake research into the underlying physics and operation of plasma-modulated plasma accelerators (P-MoPAs), advanced plasma channels, and methods for controlling injection of electrons into laser-driven plasma wakefields. This work will be undertaken within the research groups led by Prof. Simon Hooker (Oxford), in collaboration with that led by Prof. Stefan Karsch (Centre for Advanced Laser Applications [CALA], Munich).

Duties will include undertaking original research within the scope of the research project; planning and undertaking experiments in our laboratories in Oxford, at Prof. Karsch’s laboratories in Munich; writing-up results for publication; presenting results at international conferences; supporting the operation of our high-power laser laboratories in Oxford; providing day-to-day supervision of graduate and undergraduate students working in the research group; taking responsibility for safety within the research group; supporting the day-to-day running of the research group and undertaking associated administrative duties; and participating in funding applications and project reporting.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in plasma physics or high-power femtosecond laser science. They should have extensive experience of working with Class 4 ultrafast laser systems, or with particle-in-cell codes, and experience of presenting scientific results in peer-reviewed journals or international conferences.

Previous experience of research on plasma accelerators, running particle-in-cell or fluid codes, leading experiments at high-power laser facilities, or of supervising undergraduate or graduate students will be an advantage.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate experience of presenting scientific results and the ability to manage own academic research.

Please direct enquiries about the role to Professor Simon Hooker (simon.hooker@physics.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received before midday (UK time) 31st October 2024 can be considered. Details of how to apply are given in the Job Description and Selection Criteria below. Interviews are to be held week commencing 11th November 2024