Scientist

University of Rochester: Office of the Provost: Academic Center: LLE-Laboratory for Laser Energ

Salary Range or Pay Grade

$100,000-$140,000 Annually

Description

The University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) seeks an outstanding experimental scientist to join the Relativistic Plasma Physics Experiments (RLX) Group within the Plasma and Ultrafast Laser Science and Engineering (PULSE) Division.

The successful candidate will develop and lead a research program focused on the interaction of high-intensity, short-pulse lasers with matter and the creation, diagnosis, and application of relativistic plasmas. This position offers the opportunity to conduct forefront experiments on the OMEGA EP, MTW, and MTW-OPAL laser systems while collaborating with scientists across LLE's plasma physics, high-energy-density science, inertial fusion energy, and ultrafast laser programs.

Research Areas

The successful candidate will be expected to establish an internationally recognized research program in one or more of the following areas:

• Short-pulse laser–matter interactions, including laser energy deposition, hot-electron generation and transport, refluxing, scattering processes, and hydrodynamic evolution.

• Development and application of advanced diagnostics to characterize relativistic plasma conditions and energy coupling mechanisms.

• Bright x-ray source development for high-energy-density science, opacity measurements, laboratory astrophysics, and fusion-energy applications.

• Fundamental studies of relativistic plasma physics relevant to particle acceleration, radiation generation, and extreme states of matter.

• Experimental validation of simulation and modeling tools used to predict laser-plasma interaction and energy transport in high-energy-density plasmas.

• Development of novel experimental platforms leveraging advanced laser technologies, including ultrashort-pulse, broadband, and spatiotemporally structured laser beams.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, develop, and lead innovative experimental research programs.

• Design and execute experiments on LLE and external user facilities.

• Publish research results in leading scientific journals and present findings at major international conferences.

• Develop proposals and secure external funding from federal agencies and other sponsors.

• Collaborate closely with scientists, engineers, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

• Mentor early-career researchers and contribute to workforce development within the PULSE Division.

• Support the strategic growth of LLE's programs in high-energy-density science, inertial fusion energy, and advanced laser-plasma interactions.

About the RLX Group and PULSE Division

The RLX Group conducts experimental research at the frontiers of relativistic laser-plasma interactions, advanced particle acceleration, radiation generation, and high-energy-density science. As part of the PULSE Division, the group works closely with complementary experimental, theoretical, and diagnostic teams to develop predictive understanding and control of laser-driven plasmas while enabling new scientific capabilities for fusion energy, discovery science, and national security applications.

LLE provides access to world-leading experimental facilities including OMEGA, OMEGA EP, MTW, and the emerging MTW-OPAL capability, offering unique opportunities to pursue transformative research across a broad range of plasma conditions.

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Plasma Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Demonstrated record of experimental research excellence in high-energy-density physics, laser-plasma interactions, short-pulse laser science, or a related discipline.

• Strong publication record and evidence of scientific leadership.

Preferred:

• Experience with high-power short-pulse laser systems.

• Expertise in x-ray diagnostics, opacity experiments, radiation generation, or laboratory astrophysics.

• Experience developing new experimental platforms and diagnostics.

• Familiarity with computational modeling of laser-plasma interactions and energy transport.

• Experience leading collaborative research efforts and mentoring students or postdoctoral researchers.

Application Instructions

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

• a cover letter;

• a curriculum vitae and a list of publications;

• at least two letters of recommendation

SALARY RANGE: $100,000 to $140,000 Annually

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates are set within the job's compensation range, and determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

EOE, including disability/protected veterans

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.