Jefferson Lab

    Come join our team at Jefferson Lab, where great minds matter.

    Posting Date: 02/16/2023

    Salary Range:

    $83,300 - $131,700 (SS II)

    $107,400 - $169,600 (SS III)

    Work Location Type: Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote work based on business needs)

    What your job will be like:

    Jefferson Lab SRF Institute is responsible for guiding the evolution of the superconducting radio frequency (SRF) accelerator systems in CEBAF, developing and deploying new systems for US and international projects, and engaging vanguard research efforts to enable future generations of SRF-based accelerators.

    In this context, the SRF Accelerator Physicist II/III will conduct research in the area of superconducting rf systems and superconducting materials for best application to accelerators. This will include developing methods and approach, designs, develops, and tests SRF cavity systems and associated technologies and translate such developments into deployable solutions. In this framework the incumbent will identify and routinely use the most effective, cost efficient and best practices to execute processes, continually evaluating their effectiveness and appropriateness. This individual conducts materials, process, or design research studies that expand the limits of the field, contributing to the recommendation of various technology options or approaches for system, processes, facility, or program improvements in terms of safety, high gradient performance reliability, energy efficiency, or cost. The Accelerator Physicist will contribute to the development of theories for understanding, characterizing and organizing natural phenomena into a systematic and meaningful pattern for research into potential new levels of SRF performance. Duties will also include contribution to reliable operation of CEBAF and other JLab initiatives as requested.

    In this role, you will...

    SSII:

    • Further understanding of physical systems which affect the performance of SRF cavities in accelerators.
    • Implement and refine standards for design, process definition, materials, quality assurance, testing, fabrication, and integration for all aspects of preparation of SRF cavities and associated components for accelerator applications.
    • Contribute to research that pushes the intellectual boundary of what is known to impact SRF cavity performance:
    • Contribute to research and development of engineered surfaces for SRF cavities, including thermal diffusion, Nb and alternate superconducting film cavities, and surface chemical processing.
    • Include SRF cavity RF testing, new materials processing technique development, custom diagnostic instrumentation development.
    • Develop and test theoretical models of phenomena which impact SRF cavity system performance.
    • Contribute to expand the application of SRF systems to compact accelerators for societal needs.
    • Participate in research and development projects in support of the reliable operation of CEBAF and other DOE Office of Science missions within the Jefferson Lab Strategic Plan, including SRF systems for EIC and other large national and international efforts.

    SSIII (in addition to all SSII):

    • Participate in planning, organizing, coordinating and/or directing of scientific and technical work.
    • Identify and pursue high-impact research that is foundational to improved performance, cost, and reliability of SRF-based accelerator systems, in the above mentioned areas of: particulate contamination analysis and management in production and operational contexts, modified or new materials and structures, bulk or surface material processing methods, or basic superconducting materials properties, application of SRF systems to compact accelerators or other synergistic applications.
    • Support strategic collaborative partnerships in the US and international SRF accelerator community.
    • Contribute to continuing education of JLab staff regarding the multidisciplinary basis and evolving standards for designs and methods used for optimally effective SRF-based accelerator systems. This will include training and guiding engineering and technical staff toward efficient implementation of evolving best-informed practices for SRF technology.
    • Support workforce development by leveraging undergraduate and graduate student research projects as components of the above functions.

    Qualifications We Require:

    SSII

    Education:

    • Ph.D. in Physics or related field

    Experience:

    • A minimum of 5 years of relevant hands-on experience with superconducting RF cavity systems.

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

    • Working knowledge of superconductivity and basic low-temperature physics.
    • Understanding of analog RF controls and measurements.
    • Familiar with UHV hardware and cleanroom techniques and with standard materials characterization instruments, e.g. SEM, XPS, AFM, EBSD.
    • Familiar with computerized data acquisition system and instrumentation.
    • Able to compose and publish research work in peer-reviewed journals.
    • Demonstrated ability to make an independent scientific or technical contribution.
    • Demonstrated communication skills for interacting with a diverse team.

    SSIII

    Education:

    • Ph.D. in Physics or related field

    Experience:

    • A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in SRF-based accelerator physics, at least two of which were in a project leadership capacity.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

    • Advanced knowledge of SRF physics, related accelerator physics and associated fields such as vacuum, material and surface science...
    • Demonstrated problem solving, analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
    • Ability to mentor graduate students and cross-disciplinary staff in new analytical techniques.
    • Strong communication skills for interacting with a large and diverse international SRF community.

    Qualifications We Desire:

    • Experience or knowledge of film deposition techniques

    About Jefferson Lab

    Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.

    A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of “big science” and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by Jefferson Science Associates, LLC; Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.

    Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab

    At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

    • Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
    • Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave)
    • 401(k) Plan – 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested
    • Flexible Work Arrangements (Hybrid & Alternate Work Schedules available)
    • Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
    • Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches, mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast

    Jefferson Science Associates, LLC (JSA) manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). JSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status or on any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. As part of the JSA’s equal employment opportunity policy, we also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.

    JSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to employment @ jlab.org or call (757) 269-7598 to provide the nature of your request. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Employment with JSA is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.