Assistant Project Scientist (Accelerator Physics)

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA seeks outstanding candidates for a full-time Assistant Project Scientist position in accelerator physics. The successful candidate will lead experimental research that uses high-brightness electron beams to generate and study coherent short wavelength radiation and will manage the day-to-day operation of the UCLA Pegasus photoinjector facility. The position combines independent and collaborative research with responsibility for the reliable, safe, and effective operation of an advanced university accelerator beamline.

Primary Responsibilities

* Direct daily operation of the Pegasus photoinjector and associated beamlines, including startup, beam tuning, performance optimization, shutdown, and coordination of experimental schedules.

* Maintain and improve accelerator systems and diagnostics, including radio-frequency, laser, magnet, vacuum, timing, controls, beam instrumentation, and radiation-safety systems, in coordination with UCLA technical staff and vendors.

* Plan and lead commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrade activities; establish operating procedures; maintain configuration, maintenance, and performance records; and track facility readiness and risks.

* Develop and carry out experiments on Inverse Compton Scattering and Bremmstrahlung X-ray production and applications using high-brightness electron beams, including experimental design, beam-time planning, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.

* Support students, postdoctoral scholars, collaborators, and visiting users through experiment preparation, beamline training, safe-work planning, and hands-on guidance during facility operations.

* Use accelerator and radiation modeling together with experimental measurements to understand beam dynamics, improve radiation source performance, and guide future facility capabilities.

* Prepare research publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and contributions to grant proposals, and communicate results to collaborators and sponsors.

* Contribute to the broader research program of the university group through scientific planning, laboratory coordination, mentoring, procurement, and compliance with UCLA environmental health and safety requirements.

Required Qualifications

* A Ph.D. in physics, accelerator science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.

* At least three years of relevant research experience and a record of work directly applicable to accelerator-based X-ray experiments.

* Demonstrated experience with high-brightness electron beams, radio-frequency photoinjectors, accelerator beam dynamics, beam diagnostics, and coherent radiation generation or characterization.

* Experience operating, commissioning, maintaining, or upgrading an accelerator beamline or comparable research facility, including systematic troubleshooting of integrated hardware and controls.

* A record of scientific publication and effective written and oral communication.

Additional qualifications:

* Ability to organize facility operations, maintain clear technical and safety documentation, coordinate multiple users and projects, and work effectively with faculty, students, technical staff, and external collaborators.

Candidates should provide a curriculum vitae; a publication list; a statement of research interests, and complete a reference check authorization release form. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2026.

* A Ph.D. in physics, accelerator science, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.

* At least three years of relevant research experience and a record of work directly applicable to accelerator-based X-ray experiments.

* Demonstrated experience with high-brightness electron beams, radio-frequency photoinjectors, accelerator beam dynamics, beam diagnostics, and coherent radiation generation or characterization.

* Experience operating, commissioning, maintaining, or upgrading an accelerator beamline or comparable research facility, including systematic troubleshooting of integrated hardware and controls.

* A record of scientific publication and effective written and oral communication.

* Ability to organize facility operations, maintain clear technical and safety documentation, coordinate multiple users and projects, and work effectively with faculty, students, technical staff, and external collaborators.

Applicants will be asked to name references, and the applicant must request letters to complete their application.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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