Laser Plasma Applications Scientist

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire

Fixed term contract – 4 years

Come and do the kind of science that made you want to become a scientist. Explore the unknown and get to grips with the biggest challenges in Big Science. And, alongside world class engineers and technologists, use everything you've learnt to find real-answers that shape society and improve lives.

Put simply, discover the kind of impact you can make when you work with some of the best facilities and brightest scientists in the world.

An exciting opportunity exists to join our team at Central Laser Facility (CLF). CLF is one of the world’s leading laser centres, providing scientists mainly from the UK and continental Europe with access to an unparalleled range of pioneering laser technology.

The CLF is building a new facility - the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC) that will come on line in 2025. EPAC will use state of the art lasers technology developed by our team to drive new types of novel particle and radiation beams that can be applied to a wide range of problems in science and industry.

About The Role

We work closely with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to develop security and defence applications for laser-plasma science, and are looking for a highly skilled experimental physicist with relevant experience to lead a research program in collaboration with DSTL. This will involve investigating and developing novel applications of the secondary sources generated by laser-plasma interactions in our existing facilities – Vulcan and Gemini – leading to EPAC.

This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging scientist to develop further: the successful candidate will have a stimulating work environment with exposure to cutting-edge laser plasma technology and fantastic prospects to do collaborative research with some of the world-leading groups in the field.

About You

You will have a PhD in experimental laser-plasma physics or accelerator physics, or equivalent research experience in high-energy particle/x-ray detection. In addition to this you will have post-doctoral research experience in this or related areas, preferably at high-power laser facilities, synchrotrons or accelerator facilities.

You will have a good understanding of the underlying science in laser-plasma experiments and future potential research, especially regarding applications of laser-based secondary sources. Proven experience in laser driven source development and experience in scientific instrument development and design would also be beneficial.

Good communication skills and ability to convey your research to scientists and engineers from a different background is essential to this job.

What we offer

We are offering a fixed term position with a whole host of benefits including:

• 30 days holiday annually (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
• Flexible working hours
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme
• Employee shopping/travel discounts
• Excellent learning and development opportunities
• Visa Sponsorship for candidates applying outside of the UK

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible.

Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that clearly showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role.

Please note: the post you are applying for attracts a National Security Vetting clearance, for more information please see the full job description by clicking through to apply.

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