Careers at LLE

POSITION SUMMARY:

The University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (UR LLE) invites applications for non-tenure track faculty equivalent scientist to join the Plasma and Ultrafast Laser Science and Engineering (PULSE) division. The PULSE Division supports a broad range of both theoretical/computational and experimental plasma physics science, including inertial confinement fusion, ultrashort pulse laser-plasma science, and ultrafast plasma photonics.

A successful experimental candidate must have a fundamental understanding of laser diagnostics and plasma diagnostics and hands-on knowledge of the inner workings of diagnostic equipment and a grasp of the state-of-the-art in the field of time-resolved and spatially resolved diagnostics. Hands-on experience developing and deploying diagnostics and diagnostic equipment is desired. A physics background in laser-material-plasma interactions is desired. Applicant must have experience interacting and working with multi-disciplinary team of scientist and engineers to accomplish complex goals. Candidate should have at least a Ph.D. in Physics or a physical science; they must be a highly motivated self-starter.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designing and implementing experiments at small, mid-, and large-scale facilities
• Hands-on experimental research with TW and PW class short pulse lasers
• Principle Investigator on Omega Facility experiments
• Computational simulations
• Annual scientific publications and presentations

Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Physics or an equivalent technical field
• Hands-on laboratory experience and/or advanced computational modeling with high-power lasers and laser-plasma diagnostics
• Excellent publication record

SALARY RANGE: $82,500 to $110,000 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.

Candidates are invited to apply online at http://apply.interfolio.com/135345.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE, www.lle.rochester.edu) at the University of Rochester is seeking a Ph.D.-level individual in Optics, Physics, or Engineering to join the Laser System Science team. LLE is a unique national resource featuring the Omega laser facility, a premier high-energy laser user facility conducting experiments in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF), High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) and basic science. The Omega facility is home to the OMEGA and OMEGA EP lasers. OMEGA is a 60-beam solid-state laser system capable of delivering 30-kJ, nanosecond UV pulses to a target for fusion experiments. Omega EP is a short-pulse laser system capable of delivering pulses of up to 1-PW power (700J in 700fs). LLE is also developing novel high-energy laser systems, including ultrabroadband and ultra-intense lasers. The Laser System Science team is charged with technical and operational oversight of the OMEGA and OMEGA EP lasers and also contributes to development of the next generation of high-energy and high-power laser systems, including the 25-Petawatt EP OPAL laser currently being designed under an NSF grant.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in overseeing the safe, efficient operation of the Omega laser facility to satisfy the demands of the user base while ensuring protection of the laser systems.
• Analyze large sets of laser diagnostic data to validate, calibrate, and refine laser system models, track long-term laser performance, and identify developing issues.
• Characterize laser system performance, including developing and maintaining laser diagnostics.
• Lead experimental campaigns on the lasers with the goals of improving understanding and enhancing laser system or diagnostic performance.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team to rapidly troubleshoot system performance issues in order to maximize facility availability and effectiveness.
• Lead commissioning of upgrades to the laser systems.
• Conduct applied research relevant to the Omega laser and future high-energy lasers; communicate research results in scientific journals and conference presentations.
• Morning and evening shift work is required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• A Ph.D., in Optics, Physics, or a relevant engineering field is required. Research experience in lasers or laser-based optical systems (especially solid-state lasers and amplifiers) desired.
• Ability to develop computer-based data analysis tools in MATLAB or Python (experience mining data from databases is a plus).
• Understanding of optical physics and optical systems (laser systems and/or nonlinear optics highly desired).
• Ability to support multiple projects and priorities, and ability to troubleshoot laser performance issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to interact with scientists, engineers, technicians, and students.
• Demonstrated ability to be effective in a team environment.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance.

SALARY RANGE: $82,500 to $110,000 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.

Candidates are invited to apply online at http://apply.interfolio.com/134259.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is seeking candidates for the position of Assistant Scientist in the Omega Experiments Group to lead high energy density nuclear physics experiments and inertial confinement fusion campaigns, to perform research and development of novel nuclear diagnostics, and to support neutron diagnostic operation on the OMEGA and OMEGA EP laser facilities. Laser Direct Drive implosions of DT cryogenic targets and laser-based nuclear physics experiments, which are key missions within the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), are conducted on the Omega Laser Facility. The research scope of this position encompasses spectroscopy of scattered neutrons from implosion targets to infer a 4(pi) averaged areal density at stagnation, the design and execution of high energy density nuclear physics experiments to measure cross sections of nuclear reactions relevant to inertial confinement fusion, and the calibration of neutron detectors. The position requires a candidate with a working knowledge of neutron and gamma ray detectors to guide technical and engineering staff implementing initiatives in diagnostic automation, signal processing, and radiation shielding for operation in a high neutron yield environment. The successful candidate will interact routinely with leading experts in high energy density nuclear physics and inertial confinement fusion research conducting their experiments on the Omega Laser Facility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead high energy density nuclear physics experiments and inertial confinement fusion campaigns on the Omega Laser Facility
• Develop advanced measurement techniques to diagnose the compressed DT fuel using state-of-the-art nuclear diagnostics
• Lead the development of future planned nuclear diagnostics required to achieve a full 3-D reconstruction of the compressed fuel at stagnation through extensive Monte Carlo simulations
• Provide expert diagnostic support of the high energy density nuclear physics experiments and inertial confinement fusion campaigns on the Omega Laser Facility, including nuclear diagnostic configuration, data collection, and analysis

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• PhD degree in Physics or closely related field (research background in experimental high energy density physics or inertial confinement fusion research is preferred)
• Knowledge of nuclear physics and detection methods and neutron and gamma ray shielding in a high-yield environment
• Advanced computational skills for designing experiments and analyzing data, including fluency in Monte Carlo techniques (e.g. MCNP or Geant4)
• Interpersonal skills suitable for working in a team-based, collaborative environment
• Strong written, communication, and organizational skills for preparation of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at workshops and conferences

The successful candidate will join the Omega Experiments group as an Assistant Scientist or a rank commensurate with experience.

SALARY RANGE: $82,500 to $110,000 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.

Candidates are invited to apply online at www.rochester.edu/jobopp.
Please apply to Job Opening ID 245775.

While applying online and creating their profile, applicants should upload the following additional documents:

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vitae and a list of publications

Applicant should arrange to have at least two letters of recommendation e-mailed to llehradmin@lle.rochester.edu . Please ask them to reference the job number to which you are applying.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Theoretical Division at the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) is planning to create an Artificial Intelligence/Machine-Learning (ML) Group to significantly expand LLE's effort in applying ML tools to solve a variety of problems relevant to high-energy-density (HED) sciences, operate current laser facilities (OMEGA and OMEGA EP), as well as design and operate future HED facilities that will deliver ~100 of shots per day and will require sophisticated tools for facility operation, engineering, and data acquisition and analysis. LLE seeks a junior-level member for this group at the Assistant Scientist level. The ideal candidate for this role should have a strong background in machine learning with focus on physical science and technology. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in physics, astrophysics, computational physics, or a related field.

SALARY RANGE: $82,500 to $110,000 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.

Candidates are invited to apply online at www.rochester.edu/jobopp.
Please apply to Job Opening ID 244997.

While applying online and creating their profile, applicants should upload the following additional documents:

• a cover letter
• a curriculum vitae and a list of publications.
• at least two letters of recommendation
• a statement of research interests and accomplishments,

If you encounter difficulties in uploading documents please e-mail llehradmin@lle.rochester.edu for guidance.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Integrated Modeling Group in LLE's Theoretical Division seeks a Computational Physicist (Assistant Scientist to Scientist position) to support the development and optimization of state-of-the-art multi-physics hydrodynamics codes relevant to Inertial Confinement Fusion.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The successful candidate will focus on code optimization through improved algorithms and parallelization, including adaptation of codes to GPUs.
• The candidate will also develop new or augmented physics packages.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Candidates should have a PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Computational Physics or a related field.

Diversity is a core value at LLE. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment for all students, staff, and faculty. We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. Salary and benefits are competitive and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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.

Candidates are invited to apply online at www.rochester.edu/jobopp.
Please apply to Job Opening ID 243229.

In addition to the online application, qualified applicants should submit a CV including a list of publications; a brief letter describing the candidate's academic background and interests; and should arrange for at least two letters of recommendation to be sent to ssta@lle.rochester.edu.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team working in a multi-disciplinary program involving research & development in short-pulse lasers, laser-material interactions, plasma physics, aerodynamics, and diagnostic development. The position involves establishing a pulsed-laser test facility, laser operation, and the study material interactions with lasers and the effects of laser parameters (fluence, intensity, wavelength, pulse length) and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, pressure etc.) on material interactions. The successful candidate will be studying physical processes spanning the range from hydrodynamic effects to classical solid-state physics and micromechanics. The role will include regular written technical reports and oral communication of the research team?s progress. Communication and/or collaboration with groups both internal and external to the LLE is required. Knowledge of high-intensity laser hardware, laser engineering, relay optics, laser-plasma diagnostics, optical data analysis, and computational fluid dynamics modeling would all be beneficial for the position.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Program Manager at LLE.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and build experimental set-ups required to characterize laser material interactions.
• Operate various class-3 and class-4 laser systems
• Interface components and instruments (lasers, power conditioning systems, spectrometers, etc.) and develop system controls
• Conduct experiments characterizing solid-state materials and analyze results
• Process data using various software programs and tools
• Apply physical and numerical models
• Support laser experiments involving laser-material interactions
• Develop understanding of laser-material interaction physics
• Investigate material modifications using microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, etc.
• Interface with LLE staff while collaborating on projects and supporting facility operations
• Communicate research results
• Prepare internal reports and publish when possible
• Give oral presentations in various laboratory, sponsor, and conference settings
• Participate in research proposal grant seeking and writing
• Survey, study, and peer review relevant scientific literature
• Be responsible for maintenance of laboratory facilities
• Take on new projects within your area of expertise as needs arise

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in physics, optics, materials science or a related engineering field with more than 5 years of experience.
• Familiarity with high-power, pulsed laser systems, and basic knowledge of optical design
• Working knowledge of analytical tools such as various microscopes, spectrometers, etc.
• Effective intra-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary written and oral communication skills

SALARY RANGE: $115,000 to $180,000 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.

Candidates are invited to apply online at http://apply.interfolio.com/129443.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics (UR LLE) invites applications for an Open Rank, non-tenure track faculty equivalent scientist and group leader for the Ultrafast Plasma Diagnostics Group (UPD) within the Plasma and Ultrafast Laser Science and Engineering (PULSE) division at LLE. The UPD group performs experimental research in plasma-based sources, nonlinear optics, and laser-plasma interactions with a focus on the development of novel devices and diagnostics to advance experimental science at the LLE.

Active research projects in the UPD group includes:

• Advanced diagnostic development including optical systems across the electromagnetic spectrum (x-ray, optical and THz)
• Novel Thomson scattering techniques
• The development and application of ultrafast mid-IR laser systems
• The development of ultrafast UV Photodiodes
Nonlinear optics with spatiotemporal control (i.e. a flying focus), including design, manufacturing, and analysis
• High-intensity THz radiation for experiments/applications
The development of plasma diagnostics including high-frequency optical probes and x-ray streak cameras

The successful candidate will lead the UPD group, which includes graduate students, technicians, engineers, and scientists. In addition to leading the UDP group, the successful UPD Group Leader is expected to create a vibrant, high-visibility, and extramurally funded research program that connects the research activity of the group and to the broader LLE missions. The successful candidate must have an outstanding publication record, a proven track-record for obtaining extramural funding, and a commitment to graduate student education.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the UPD group at the UR LLE.
• Maintain a vibrant research environment that supports and develops the innovative nature of the team
• Create an extramurally funded research program in topics that support the LLE missions
• Recruit and mentor students and junior members of technical staff.

Job Requirements:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering or an equivalent technical field
• Hands-on laboratory experience with high-power lasers and laser-plasma diagnostics
• Post-doctoral experience
• Excellent publication record
• Track record in obtaining extramural funding or a clear plan on how to obtain funding.

SALARY RANGE: $115,000 to $180,000 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.

Candidates are invited to apply online at http://apply.interfolio.com/128835.

POSITION SUMMARY:The Experimental Division at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) seeks candidates at the Staff Scientist level who can contribute to the development of new science using the unique tritium capabilities at LLE who can bring new capabilities to ongoing global magnetic and inertial confinement fusion missions, who will conduct experiments and/or perform simulations using the facilities at LLE, and who will engage with and mentor graduate students in the Division. In addition to a good understanding of vacuum and material science or chemical engineering, the successful candidate should have good interpersonal skills, a willingness to work in a team, and the ability to communicate well in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates should have a Ph.D. in an appropriate sub-field of physics, experience as a postdoc or equivalent position, and demonstrated their expertise by publishing their research in peer-reviewed journals.

SALARY RANGE: $115,000 to $180,000 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.

Candidates are invited to apply online at www.rochester.edu/jobopp.
Please apply to Job Opening ID 242244.

Steven Stagnitto, Administrative Director
Laboratory for Laser Energetics
250 East River Road
Rochester, NY 14623-1299
Email: steven.stagnitto@rochester.edu
Fax: 585-276-2420