CALTA Laser Scientist

Salary: £25,702 to £27,938 (Band C) or £31,931 to £34,709 (Band D) per annum (dependent on skills and experience)
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term (2 years)
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire

The Central Laser Facility (CLF) at the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is a world-class research centre with over 100 technical and scientific staff. It provides advanced research instruments for UK and international scientists, ranging from the Vulcan and Gemini high power lasers to optical microscopes and tweezers in the Lasers for Science Facility. The CLF takes a leading role in many research projects that make use of these facilities, including work on laser-plasma accelerators, fusion energy, ultra-fast science, vibrational spectroscopy and single-molecule microscopy.

Further details can be found at www.clf.stfc.ac.uk.

An integral part of the CLF is the Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications (CALTA) which focusses on the development and exploitation of high power lasers. The development of DPSSL technology is the most recent technology development undertaken by CALTA. In 2016, CALTA delivered a DiPOLE100 laser system to the HiLASE Facility in the Czech Republic, the first 100 J HE-DPSSL system in the world. This system has proven capable of delivering ~1.5 kW average power in 146 J, 10 ns pulses at 10 Hz, a world record for lasers of its kind. Following on from this success, CALTA is engaged in a number of projects including a collaborative “Widespread Teaming” project with HiLASE to develop DiPOLE technology to higher levels of power and energy and to open up new applications; delivery of a second DiPOLE100 laser system to the European XFEL in Germany and key technical contributions to the CLF’s new Extreme Photonics Applications Centre (EPAC).

About the role

CALTA is seeking a laser scientist to join our growing and dynamic team to take active roles in the Widespread Teaming Project, development of the DiPOLE laser architecture and the support of the operations programme of the existing DiPOLE laser system. There will also be the opportunity to be involved in the delivery of the EPAC Project.
Tasks will include mechanical and optical design; construction of complex opto-mechanical systems; optical modelling; experimental testing and characterisation of components, sub-systems and entire laser chains; support of DiPOLE operations.

Person Specification

The following criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)

For Band C

Essential

• BSc (Hons) or equivalent in Physics or related discipline. Class 2:1 or better. (S)
• Experience with aligning and working with lasers. (S)
• Dedication, self-motivation and a positive attitude. (I)
• Good communication skills (presentation, negotiation). (I)
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide ranging audience, both orally and in writing. (S&I)
• Able to work as part of a team. (I)
• Able to multi-task and prioritise against a heavy work load and achieve demanding targets. (I)
• Responsible, professional approach to health and safety. (I)

Desirable

• Competence with Matlab and/or LabView. (S)
• Experience of data analysis. (S)
• Extended knowledge in the field of laser physics and opto-electronics. (I)
• Willing and able to work flexible hours. (I)
• Willing and able to travel occasionally to represent the CLF at meetings and conferences. (I)

To be considered for Band D, in addition to the above criteria, you should have:

Essential

• PhD or MSc /MPhil in lasers, applied physics or opto-electronics. (S)
• Practical experience in alignment, designing or building of optical systems. (S)
• Broad knowledge of optics and laser physics. (I)

Desirable

• Track record of scientific publication and/or presentations at international conferences. (I)
• Experience in the use and/or design of high energy laser systems. (I)
• Some supervisory and management experience. (I)

Additional information

The role will involve working in a high power laser laboratory with a standard working height of 900-1100mm and in some cases limited physical access around optical tables.