Job Overview
UCLA's Department of Physics and Astronomy seeks a full-time Assistant Project Scientist in accelerator physics to lead experimental research using high-brightness electron beams to generate and study coherent short-wavelength radiation, and to manage day-to-day operation of the UCLA Pegasus photoinjector facility.
The role combines independent and collaborative research with responsibility for the reliable, safe, and effective operation of an advanced university accelerator beamline.
Primary responsibilities include directing daily operation of the Pegasus photoinjector and associated beamlines (startup, beam tuning, performance optimization, shutdown, experiment scheduling) and maintaining and improving accelerator systems and diagnostics including radio-frequency, laser, magnet, vacuum, timing, controls, beam instrumentation, and radiation-safety systems.
The appointee will plan and lead commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrade activities, maintain operating and configuration records, and track facility readiness and risks.
The position develops and carries out experiments on Inverse Compton Scattering and Bremsstrahlung X-ray production and applications using high-brightness electron beams, covering experimental design, beam-time planning, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
The scientist supports students, postdoctoral scholars, collaborators, and visiting users through experiment preparation, beamline training, safe-work planning, and hands-on guidance.
The role uses accelerator and radiation modeling together with experimental measurements to understand beam dynamics and improve radiation source performance, and prepares publications, technical reports, conference presentations, and grant contributions.
Requirements: a PhD in physics, accelerator science, electrical engineering or a closely related field; at least three years of relevant research experience directly applicable to accelerator-based X-ray experiments; demonstrated experience with high-brightness electron beams, RF photoinjectors, accelerator beam dynamics, beam diagnostics, and coherent radiation generation or characterization; and experience operating, commissioning, maintaining, or upgrading an accelerator beamline or comparable research facility.
A record of scientific publication and effective written and oral communication is required.
Salary range $79,400-$92,200; applications are due October 31, 2026.