Overview

The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC (ELI ERIC) is the world’s largest and most advanced high-power laser research infrastructure. As an international user facility dedicated to multi-disciplinary science, ELI provides access to world-class high-power, high-repetition-rate laser systems and enables cutting-edge research, as well as breakthrough technological innovations. The ELI ERIC operates as a single multi-site organization with two complementary facilities specialized in different fields of research with extreme light: ELI Beamlines in Dolní Břežany (Czech Republic) and ELI ALPS in Szeged (Hungary).

ELI Beamlines Facility operates four cutting-edge high-power femtosecond laser systems reaching unprecedented intensities. The operational laser systems make unique femtosecond sources of X-rays and accelerated particles available to scientific users for pioneering research in physical, chemical, materials, life and medical sciences as well as physics of dense plasmas, warm dense matter, and laboratory astrophysics. The ELI Beamlines Facility employs over 350 researchers, engineers and other professionals from more than 38 countries.

In our team we have the following position available:

PhD Position: Advanced Electron Beam Diagnostics for a Compact X-ray Free-Electron Laser (267)

Are you a highly motivated physics or engineering graduate with a passion for cutting-edge accelerator physics and diagnostics?

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic PhD student to join an exciting international collaboration focused on the development of advanced electron beam diagnostics for a compact X-ray Free-Electron Laser (XFEL) based on Laser-Wakefield Acceleration (LWFA).

The Project:

This PhD project will focus on the design, implementation, and characterization of novel diagnostics to precisely measure the properties of electron beams generated in a LWFA-driven XFEL. In particular, you will design and implement an instrument to measure the longitudinal phase space of the beams. You will contribute to pushing the boundaries of compact XFEL technology and enabling groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

Job description:

  • Design, build, and commission advanced electron beam diagnostics systems.
  • Perform experimental measurements on electron beams at PSI and ELI Beamlines.
  • Analyze experimental data and develop advanced data analysis techniques.
  • Collaborate with researchers at ELI Beamlines and PSI, and in the EuPRAXIA project.
  • Contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
  • Participate in the broader research activities of the EuPRAXIA collaboration.

Where you will be:

This is a unique opportunity to pursue your PhD within a truly international environment. You will be enrolled at the Czech Technical University in Prague, and your research will be conducted at two world-leading facilities:

* ELI Beamlines, Czech Republic: A state-of-the-art laser research facility providing access to high-power laser systems and experimental infrastructure.

* Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Switzerland: A leading multi-disciplinary research institution with expertise in accelerator physics and beam diagnostics.

You will spend a significant portion of your PhD at both ELI Beamlines and PSI, fostering collaboration and benefiting from the expertise available at each institution.

Requirements:

  • A Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong background in accelerator physics, plasma physics, optics, or instrumentation.
  • Experience with experimental techniques and data analysis.
  • Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW).
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Fluency in English.
  • Ability to work independently and proactively.

We offer:

  • A challenging and rewarding PhD project at the forefront of accelerator science.
  • Access to world-class facilities and expertise.
  • A vibrant international research environment.
  • Opportunities for professional development and scientific collaboration.
  • Competitive funding package covering living expenses.

 

Please submit your application, including a CV, a cover letter outlining your research interests and motivation, and transcripts of your academic records to: Alexander.Molodozhentsev@eli-beams.eu and Rasmus.Ischebeck@psi.ch

For further information, please contact:  Alexander.Molodozhentsev@eli-beams.eu or Rasmus.Ischebeck@psi.ch

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and nationalities.