Postdoctoral Appointee, Z Machine -Energy-Density and Radiation Science - Onsite

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The Radiation Experiments Department has an opening for a postdoctoral physicist emphasizing experimentation and data analysis to support studies of z‑pinch physics and the radiative properties of matter at the Z Facility. The focus of this research effort is to advance theoretical understanding of high energy density (HED) plasmas and develop experimental platforms to provide bright x‑ray environments for radiation effects studies, to achieve high levels of fusion in the laboratory, and to investigate the fundamental behavior of HED plasmas.

X‑ray spectroscopy is one of the primary tools used to measure the evolution of the plasmas in these platforms.

The successful candidate will perform the following duties:

• (1) Partner on the design and analysis of experimental campaigns at Z,
• (2) interpret measurements including spectroscopy, imaging, and power/energy to advance the understanding of z‑pinch platforms on the Z facility,
• (3) collaborate on diagnostic improvements to enhance these experiments at Z,
• (4) represent the research and development in the organization through publications in science journals and presentations at conferences.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Collaborate as part of an integrated team to plan research, in addition to working independently to analyze data and develop new research methodologies.
• Team to perform systematic studies toward a fuller knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts and discover new approaches to achieve goals.
• Create new understandings and capabilities by using the scientific method's hypothesis, test, and evaluation techniques; critical review; or similar engineering research and development methods.
• Publish your findings and interact with the academic community.
• Use engineering principles to research, design, or develop structures, instruments, machines, experiments, processes, systems, theories, or technologies; to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions.
• Undertake creative work, making systematic use of investigation or experimentation, to discover or revise knowledge of reality, and use this knowledge to devise new applications.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

• PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Astronomy, or a related STEM discipline (PhD must be conferred within five (5) years prior to employment)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance

• A technical competency in development, fielding, or analysis of x‑ray diagnostics for high‑energy‑density plasmas, such as spectroscopy, demonstrated through publications in refereed journals
• Excellent communication skills demonstrated through presentations at professional physics conferences
• Experience designing, leading, and analyzing experiments on large‑scale high‑energy‑density facilities such as Z, NIF, and/or Omega

Department…