IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
Job Description
Job Title
Research Assistant / Associate in the Development of High
Power Laser Systems and High Energy Density Plasma
Physics
Department
Physics
Section
Quantum Optics and Laser Science group
in collaboration with the Plasma Physics Group
Job Family/Grade
Research and Education, Level A/B
Working Hours
Not normally less than 35 hours per week
Fixed-Term
12 months, from September 2010 onwards with the possibility
of an extension for a further 12 months,
Location
South Kensington Campus
Reporting To
Prof Roland A Smith / Prof Sergey Lebedev
Working Closely With
Research Associates / PhD students / Technicians
Summary of Post
This position will be held within the Blackett Laboratory Laser Consortium and will involve
close collaboration with the Plasma Physics group. The successful candidate will work on
high power and ultra-fast laser development across several scientific programmes and there
will be significant opportunities to become involved in world-leading experiments in areas
including laboratory astrophysics, laser driven particle acceleration, high energy density
plasma physics and attoscience.
The position will involve simultaneous work on the following programmes (between which
there is a significant degree of technical overlap).
(1) The Cerberus 100 TW laser system including an OPCPA front end and high-energy
amplifier chains. The broad aim of the project is to develop and apply a range of advanced
diagnostics techniques including optical and particle imaging and tomography to laboratory
astrophysics experiments driven by the Magpie Z-pinch at Imperial College. This sub-project
involves the development of a high power multi-beam laser system including ~20J, <500fs
and 50J, 10 ns arms and multi-wavelength optical probes, and its integration into large-scale
laboratory astrophysics and HED plasma experiments. A hybrid Nd:glass and OPCPA laser
system is currently being constructed and used to provide short pulse multi-wavelength
optical, x-ray and particle probes for experiments in areas including wire array collapse,
magnetic tower jet launch mechanisms, supersonic and radiative jet dynamics and high
Mach number shock collisions.
(2) Ultra-fast OPCPA laser development of a <10fs, >20mJ, kHz laser system incorporating
CEP stabilisation. This laser will be used to drive a range of laser wakefield acceleration,
high energy density plasma physics and attoscience experiments. A development system
currently running at the <1mJ level will be upgraded in energy and a new all-optical front end
for the OPCPA pump will be incorporated to improve pump delivery and stability (this
technology is common across the two projects).
Main Duties for the Research Assistant / Associate
-
To take initiatives in the planning and undertaking of research in a technically
demanding experimental environment.
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To direct the work of small research teams including undergraduate and
postgraduate students.
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To identify and develop suitable techniques for the production of sub picosecond,
and <10 fs CEP stable and high power laser pulses.
-
To construct, characterise and maintain high power and short pulse laser
systems.
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To integrate laser systems and diagnostics with large and small scale
experiments in areas including plasma physics and attoscience.
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To develop and implement advanced plasma diagnostic techniques.
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To conduct data analysis.
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To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times.
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To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings.
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To write reports for submission to research sponsors.
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To prepare material for presentation in oral and poster formats.
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To present findings to colleagues and at conferences.
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To draft publications and prepare them for submission to refereed journals.
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To submit publications to refereed journals.
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To contribute to writing bids for research grants.
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To provide guidance to staff and students.
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To undertake instruction of PhD students as agreed.
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To supervise practical work and advise students on techniques.
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To take responsibility for organising resources and effective decision making in
support of research.
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To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary.
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To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider
community.
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To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College.
Other Duties for the Research Assistant / Associate
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To undertake appropriate administration tasks.
-
To contribute to the Department’s teaching activities up to approximately half a
day per week during the academic year, as appropriate.
-
To attend relevant meetings.
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To comply with relevant College policies, including Financial Regulations, Equal
Opportunities Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy, Health and Safety Policy,
Information Systems Security Policy and Intellectual Property Rights and Register
of Interests Policies.
-
To undertake any necessary training and/or development.
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To maintain safe workplace practice and procedures in accordance with the
requirements of Health and Safety legislation.
-
To maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant statutory Health and Safety
legislation and recommendations and attend safety training as required.
-
Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post as directed by line
manager / supervisor.
Imperial College London is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating
discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principals set out in its
Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality Policy and
Disability Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to
undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.
Person Specification
Job Title
Research Assistant / Associate in the Development of High Power
Laser Systems and High Energy Density Plasma Physics
Department /
Section
Quantum Optics and Laser Science Group
in collaboration with the Plasma Physics Group
Qualifications
The successful applicant will have, or be close to acquiring, a PhD or post-doctoral level
experience in the construction and operation of high-power, short-pulse CPA laser systems,
laser diagnostics, and the integration of laser systems with experiments.
Knowledge / Experience
-
Significant hands on experience of the construction and operation of short pulse,
high power laser systems is essential.
-
Significant hands on experience of the use and interpretation of ultra-fast laser
diagnostics is essential.
-
Hands on experience of applying short-pulse lasers to experimental applications
in plasma diagnostics, HED plasma physics, attoscience, laser acceleration and
interdisciplinary team working is essential.
-
Hands on experience of the construction and optimisation of OPCPA laser
systems and / or CEP stabilised laser systems will be extremely valuable.
-
Hands on experience of high energy flash-lamp pumped laser systems will be
extremely valuable.
-
A broad range of experience with data acquisition and analysis, numerical
modelling, vacuum technology, cryogenics, gas handling, high voltage electronics
etc is highly desirable.
Skills and Abilities
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Ability to work effectively in a complex laboratory environment working with cutting
edge laser technology.
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Ability to conduct and keep up to date with detailed review of recent literature.
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Ability to develop, communicate and apply new concepts.
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Creative approach to problem-solving.
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Excellent verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with a wide range of
people.
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Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write clearly and
succinctly for publication.
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Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision.
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Ability to prioritise own work in response to deadlines.
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Advanced computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets, Internet,
programming in LabView or similar.
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Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce
a high standard of work.
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High level analytical capability.
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Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
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Ability to apply relevant models, techniques and methods and develop new ones.
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Ability to assess resource requirements and deploy them effectively.
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Ability to encourage research culture in others.
Personal Attributes
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Willingness to work as part of a team and to be open-minded and cooperative.
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Commitment to meeting deadlines.
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Commitment to maintaining and enhancing facilities and training others in their
use.
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Flexible attitude towards work.
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Discipline and regard for confidentiality and security at all times.
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Willingness to undertake any necessary training for the role.
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Willingness to travel both within the United Kingdom and abroad to conduct
research and attend conferences/workshops and other meetings.