Post Doctorate RA - Laser Plasma Interactions

Overview Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL’s scientific discovery and capabilities—rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools—are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe. Responsibilities The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is searching for a post doctorate research assistant to perform R&D related to laser-matter interaction research, optical and charge particle diagnostics. The position requires a versatile individual with both applied/hands-on laboratory experience as well as an understanding of a broad range of knowledge involved in laser-matter interaction, laser-produced plasma evolution, optical spectroscopy and other plasma diagnostic tools. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing experimental work related to intense and ultra-intense laser-plasma interaction. The successful candidate will also be expected to work effectively with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, be self-motivated, and have excellent communication skills. The results of the successful candidate's work will be used to generate new intellectual property, presentations at national conferences, publications, and new research proposals. The ability to multitask and work both independently and in a team environment is essential. A demonstrated ability to analyze data and publish results is also required. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university. Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Material Science or other related field. Academic background in lasers, optics, plasma physics, plasma diagnostics or a related field. Experience with laser-plasma and laser-matter interaction, plasma diagnostics and plasma modeling. Experience in planning, constructing, and executing complex laboratory experiments using individual optical components and laboratory instruments. Experience with software packages such as LabVIEW or MATLAB for experiment control, numerical modeling and simulation, and data analysis. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated experience publishing in peer- reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences. Experience working with ns and fs lasers. Experience with pump-probe experimental schemes. Experience with optical spectroscopy (emission, absorption, laser-induced fluorescence). Experience with LabVIEW or MATHLAB. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment The position involves working with high-power lasers, and vacuum chambers. Additional Information Not applicable. About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected]. Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Beginning 05/01/23, if you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Mandatory Requirements Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination, or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **Once eligibility requirements are met. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards