Laser Scientist

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (4 years)

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0DE

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

An exciting opportunity exists to join the Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory to work on the development of lasers driving next-generation particle accelerators and X-ray sources.

The goal of this project is to design, install and test next-generation high energy femtosecond laser sources operating at 100 Hz to 1 kHz pulse rates.

We are seeking to develop and demonstrate a reliable 100 TW peak power laser operating at the unprecedented pulse rate of 100 Hz. The pump source for the main broadband power amplifier will rely on the CLF’s proprietary DiPOLE laser amplifier technology.

Alongside, research and development work will be carried out to scale the pulse rate to 1 kHz.

These short-pulsed, high peak and average power lasers will be used to drive plasma accelerators for the realisation of compact, high brightness secondary particle and radiation sources. This unprecedented operational regime will unlock unprecedented scientific, industrial and healthcare applications and open commercialisation opportunities.

The CLF hosts a large range of cutting-edge lasers and experimental stations which are developed and operated by expert scientists, engineers and technicians. The CLF works with academic and industrial users to deliver science over a broad range of fields. We have around 200 staff and are a very friendly, outgoing and externally facing department. We have a welcoming and inclusive culture, and you will find that people will naturally help and support you.

About the role:

You will join the Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications (CALTA) team and support the high peak power 100 Hz and 1 kHz projects by developing laser designs, setting up prototype systems and conducting experimental test campaigns.

You will be part of a team of laser scientists, engineers and technicians and will engage with the wider CLF to understand the implications of plasma accelerator physics on laser driver specifications.

You will take part in international collaborations and routinely engage with external experts. You will have the opportunity to present your research at international conferences and publish in high-profile peer-reviewed journals.

Key areas of the role include:

• Contributing significantly to the development of new lasers, by performing the optical design of laser setups and diagnostics and by defining the specifications of laser components.
• Modelling broadband pulse amplification and propagation of chirped-pulsed amplification (CPA) systems.
• Defining and conducting proof-of-concept tests to de-risk key component technologies.
• Liaising with external suppliers and contractors to determine existing capabilities and future requirements and develop collaborative links with external research laboratories.
• Working as part of a team liaising with engineers to design key mechanical equipment for prototype testing.
• Lead installation and testing of prototype components in the laser laboratory to validate designs and technological solutions.

About you:

You should have significant knowledge of laser science and nonlinear optics. You will ideally be familiar with solid state laser design and have experience of broadband laser pulse amplification and diagnostics.

You will have experience in modelling or simulations and be able to apply that knowledge to the design of laser systems.

Person specification:

The following criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)

• A PhD in physics or closely related subject (or equivalent experience). (S)
• Post-doctoral research experience (or equivalent relevant experience) with a record of independent research or autonomous thinking. (S&I)
• Significant knowledge of optics, nonlinear optics and solid-state laser physics. (S&I)
• Experience in modelling, optical design and testing of short-pulse lasers and diagnostics. (S&I)
• Experience in publishing in peer-reviewed journals and/or conference proceedings. (S)
• Competence with Matlab and/or LabVIEW, and Zemax/OpticStudio or other equivalent optical design software. (S&I)
• Knowledge of safety related issues and procedures for operating lasers. (S&I)
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a diverse team. (I)

Additional information:

The role involves working in a laser laboratory.

For more information about the role, please visit www.clf.stfc.ac.uk or contact mariastefania.de-vido@stfc.ac.uk.

To apply please click the 'Apply' button above.

Our Benefits:

STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn – about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself.

Join us and discover what’s possible!

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact recruitment@ukri.org.