Scientist, Research Scientist, Physics

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

** Salary Range or Pay Grade*
* $,000

** Description*
* The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) at the University of Rochester invites applications for a Scientist position in the Ultrafast Plasma Photonics (UPP) Group.

The UPP Group is pioneering new ways to control intense laser light in space and time to create fundamentally new interactions between light and plasma. By integrating theory, computation, and experiment, the group is establishing the scientific foundations for Ultrafast Plasma Photonics-an emerging field that combines ultrafast optics, nonlinear photonics, plasma physics, and structured light to enable new regimes of laser-matter interaction.

Our research seeks to understand and control laser propagation, plasma dynamics, and nonlinear optical processes using advanced concepts such as flying-focus pulses, spatiotemporal beam shaping, structured light, plasma photonic devices, and programmable laser waveforms. These advances are opening new opportunities in high-energy-density science, inertial fusion energy, plasma-based particle acceleration, ultrafast radiation sources, and next-generation high-power laser systems.

The successful candidate will conduct innovative theoretical and computational research in close partnership with experimental scientists, developing predictive models that guide experiments, reveal new physical phenomena, and shape future research directions.

** Responsibilities*
* + Develop original theoretical descriptions of ultrafast laser-plasma interactions and nonlinear optical phenomena.

+ Create predictive computational models of structured-light propagation, plasma dynamics, and laser-driven nonlinear processes.

+ Develop advanced simulation capabilities for spatiotemporally structured laser pulses, including flying-focus and related beam-engineering concepts.

+ Investigate fundamental plasma-photon interactions, plasma-based optical elements, and new approaches for controlling intense laser propagation.

+ Work closely with experimental teams to design experiments, interpret measurements, and identify new scientific opportunities.

+ Develop high-performance computational tools and numerical methods for modeling complex laser-plasma systems.

+ Publish research in leading scientific journals and present results at national and international conferences.

+ Contribute to the development of externally funded research programs.

+ Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate researchers.

** Research Environment*
* LLE provides a uniquely collaborative environment in which theory, computation, laser technology, diagnostics, and experiments are developed together. Scientists in the UPP Group collaborate closely with researchers across the PULSE Division to explore new frontiers in ultrafast laser science and plasma physics while contributing to nationally important research programs.

** Current research activities include:*
* + Ultrafast Plasma Photonics

+ Structured light and spatiotemporal laser control

+ Flying-focus physics

+ Nonlinear wave propagation

+ Laser-plasma interactions

+ Plasma-based particle acceleration

+ Photon acceleration

+ High-energy-density science

+ Inertial fusion energy

+ Advanced radiation sources

Researchers have access to world-leading experimental facilities, including OMEGA, OMEGA EP, MTW-OPAL, FLUX, and future high-power laser systems currently under development.

** About the Laboratory for Laser Energetics*
* The Laboratory for Laser Energetics at the University of Rochester is an internationally recognized center for research in high-energy-density science, inertial fusion, laser-plasma interactions, ultrafast laser science, and advanced laser technologies. Through the close integration of theory, simulation, engineering, and experiment, LLE develops transformative scientific capabilities that advance fundamental discovery while addressing national priorities in energy, security, and advanced technology.

** Qualifications*
* ** Required Qualifications*
* + Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.

+ Demonstrated excellence in theoretical and computational physics.

+ Strong background in one or more of the following areas:

+ Plasma physics

+ Nonlinear optics

+ Ultrafast optics

+ Computational electromagnetics

+ Laser-plasma interactions

+ Experience developing numerical models and scientific software.

+ Strong programming skills using modern scientific computing languages.

+ Demonstrated ability to publish impactful research and work effectively in collaborative research environments.

** Preferred Qualifications*
* Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable:

+ Structured light

+ Flying-focus optics

+ Spatiotemporal beam shaping

+ Plasma photonics

+ Laser-plasma interaction physics

+ Particle-in-cell (PIC), Vlasov, fluid, or hybrid plasma simulations

+ Maxwell solvers and computational electromagnetics

+…