Arizona State University has embarked on a multi-year project to develop novel compact X-ray sources as part of its CXFEL Labs (https://biodesign.asu.edu/cxfel/), including the hard X-ray femtosecond Compact X-ray Light Source (CXLS) and the Compact X-ray Free Electron Laser (CXFEL) generating ultrashort and coherent soft X-rays in a room-sized facility. The implementation of the CXFEL under the umbrella of a recent NSF midscale research infrastructure award includes the construction of the novel X-ray light source, implementation of several endstations for biology, AMO physics, and quantum materials science, as well as initial validation studies. CXFEL will be a novel, fully-coherent X-ray laser capable of temporal and spectral shaping of the X-ray output down to attosecond timescales, which presents opportunities to develop an original research program in ultrafast science of quantum materials.

We invite applications for a Research Scientist position that entails the implementation of new methods for ultrafast soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy, resonant x-ray scattering, and coherent imaging in a variety of systems. The successful applicant will join a team of experts in implementing the CXFEL quantum materials endstation, including a soft x-ray goniometer and closed-cycle cryostat, to enable femtosecond-resolved pump-probe studies combining CXFEL X-ray and optical pulses tunable across the electromagnetic spectrum. The scientist will also carry out initial validation studies at CXFEL, and can participate in commissioning experiments at ASU’s existing hard X-ray CXLS source. The successful candidate may also participate in experimental runs at other X-ray and ultrafast facilities as opportunities arise to inform optimal implementation of CXFEL capabilities.

Essential Duties:

The applicant will be expected to lead the construction, assembly, and implementation of quantum materials endstation equipment including vacuum chambers, data acquisition and analysis, tunable femtosecond lasers, goniometers, X-ray spectrometers, and detectors. The applicant is also expected to lead the construction and integration of a high-power THz and mid-IR generation system as part of the endstation. The applicant is expected to contribute to the implementation and integration of controls and diagnostics of photon and X-ray beams. The applicant will be responsible for training and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. As part of the research program, the scientist will prepare essential documentation in the form of lab reports, operating procedures, scientific presentations, and peer-reviewed publications. The CXFEL project is a national-scale collaboration, and the applicant is expected to work in multidisciplinary teams that span different research areas and academic units and institutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of at least one of the following: condensed matter physics, ultrafast spectroscopy, and/or X-ray science at high brightness sources (e.g. synchrotrons or FELs) (dependent on rank)
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and technical report writing skills (dependent on rank)
• Ability to work within multidisciplinary project team (dependent on rank)

For Assistant Research Scientist: PhD and 3 years of research experience

For Associate Research Scientist: PhD and 5 years of research experience

For Full Research Scientist: PhD and 7 years of research experience

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge or experience in advanced X-ray techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, soft X-ray spectroscopy, X‑ray magnetic circular dichroism, or Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS)
• Materials science and condensed matter physics experience at XFELs and/or synchrotrons.
• Experience in generation and/or application of ultrashort tunable laser sources.
• Experience with nonlinear optical frequency conversion techniques such as THz generation, mid-infrared generation, or optical parametric amplifiers.

Applicants should send a cover letter specifying relevant qualifications and training, curriculum vitae, contact information for at least three professional references, and a list of publications to the application link by 6/31/2024. If the position is not filled, review will continue every week thereafter until the search is closed.

A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Afirmative Action Employer. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

(See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html (https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html) and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/ (https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/).)

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