Postdoctoral Researcher (Accelerator Physics) - RF Linac Design & AI/ML-Based Operations

In 2014, our team developed a compact proton linear accelerator (linac) design for an accelerator-driven system (ADS) aimed at nuclear waste transmutation, based on state-of-the-art niobium superconducting RF (SRF) technology. Since then, a transformative SRF approach using Nb₃Sn has emerged, offering performance comparable to niobium while enabling operation at higher temperatures—potentially reducing operating costs for future linac-based accelerator facilities.

Under a newly approved project, we will redesign the original ADS driver linac to leverage Nb₃Sn SRF technology.

Key responsibilities include :

• Leading the physics design of a next-generation proton linac, optimizing acceleration efficiency and transverse focusing

• Designing new SRF accelerating cavity types across multiple operating frequencies

• Conducting end-to-end beam dynamics studies at full beam energy and current, including comprehensive error analyses using large-scale beam simulations

• Evaluating linac failure scenarios, defining tolerable failure modes, and developing strategies and procedures for rapid recovery with realistic recovery-time targets

• Developing AI/ML-based tools to enable fast accelerator tuning and automated recovery following component failures

• Experimentally validating the AI/ML methods on the ATLAS linac at Argonne National Laboratory

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in the field of accelerator physics or a closely related science and engineering discipline

• Strong experience developing and applying computational modeling and simulation

• Familiarity with accelerator operations is preferred, working knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence methods is highly desirable

• The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in accelerator physics, accelerator design, advanced modeling and high-performance computing, mathematics and data analytics, AI/ML algorithm development, and accelerator operations

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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