Open Rank Quantum Materials Research Scientist
Arizona State University
Arizona State University: Office of the Executive Vice President Knowledge Enterprise: Biodesign Institute: Biodesign Beus CXFEL Lab
Location
Open Date
Jan 23, 2025
Description
Job Description:
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.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Assistant Research Scientist- Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field and 3 Year's of Experience (ideally Postdoc experience)
- Associate Research Scientist- Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field and 5 Year's of Experience (ideally Postdoc experience)
- Research Scientist- Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field and 7 Year's of Experience (ideally Postdoc experience)
- 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)
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). (Dependent on Rank)
- Materials science and condensed matter physics experience at XFELs and/or synchrotrons. (Dependent on Rank)
- Experience in generation and/or application of ultrashort tunable laser sources. (Dependent on Rank)
- Experience with nonlinear optical frequency conversion techniques such as THz generation, mid-infrared generation, or optical parametric amplifiers. (Dependent on Rank)
Application Instructions
Only electronic submissions will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. To apply for this position, submit the following required application materials:
• Cover letter
• A complete curriculum vitae
• The names and contact information of three references (name, position, title, organization, email, and phone number).
The initial application deadline is Friday, February 21st 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.