Postdoctoral position in Radio Frequency

Published: 2021-03-11

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy invites applications for a postdoctoral position to develop superconducting magnets at the FREIA Laboratory. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is the second largest department at Uppsala University with more than 360 employees and 11 different divisions, situated at the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala. The department is hosting the FREIA Laboratory that performs research towards future particle accelerators and research instrumentation. The FREIA laboratory operates complex equipment such as cryostats and microwave equipment for testing accelerators and instruments. Current projects focus on the European Spallation Source (ESS), the MAX IV Laboratory, the High Luminosity upgrade of the LHC at CERN, the development of free-electron lasers, and the development of a compact X-ray laser and instrumentation in Uppsala.

The candidate is offered the possibility to work in an exciting modern research area in physics and will have opportunities to interact and collaborate with leading groups in experimental physics and engineering.

Subject Description: The FREIA Laboratory is engaged in the development of the new RF line for the AWAKE project at CERN, Switzerland. The successful candidate will work on three projects: (i) development of a solid-state power amplifier at 3 GHz (S-band) and 12 GHz (X-band); (ii) development and test of low level RF system based on the MicroTCA standard; (iii) a specific control system for the klystrons and modulators.

Work Description: The plasma wake-field accelerator AWAKE at CERN is entering a second development phase in which the electron line will be redefined. The current electron source, based on a S-band photoinjector and S-band accelerating structure, will be used for the seeding of the self-modulation of the proton beam. A new electron source and electron line, powered by X-band and S-band klystrons, will be developed. Electrons produced by this source will be accelerated by plasma wake-fields. We will contribute to the studies of the AWAKE electron injectors by designing and evaluating a prototype RF system consisting of a system of klystrons with a solid-state power amplifier to drive them. The definition, development, and build-up of the prototype system (including waveguides, pulse compressors, circulators) to power the RF guns, buncher and accelerating structures will be part of this project. Considering the limit space and accessibility of the AWAKE area a detailed integration work and reliability tests will be needed.

With this project, we will take advantage of the knowledge and experience developed at the FREIA laboratory (Uppsala) concerning the RF, control, and low-level RF systems and the recent development on solid-state power amplifiers used as a klystron’s driver. This work will be carried out within the AWAKE collaboration at CERN (Switzerland) and will involve ScandiNova (Uppsala) for the development and integration of X-band/S-band RF units.

Regular presentations of the results in the presence of specialists on different topics, in Uppsala or at other laboratories. Assist in the overall development and evaluation of instrumentation and experiments at the FREIA Laboratory. Actively contribute to outlook activities and education and supervision of students. Regular travel is required for national and international projects.

Prerequisites: The applicant must have a doctoral degree, at the start of employment, in physics or a related area, with experience in RF and low level RF. For appointment as post-doc it is required that the candidate has completed a doctoral degree no more than three years before the start of the appointment. The three year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc. You shall demonstrate a drive and determination to achieve results, be open minded and flexible in relation to the type of work assigned. You shall take responsibility, shall organize multiple tasks simultaneously, and have a genuine interest in research and technology.

The following knowledge, experience and competencies are required:

• Solid knowledge in RF equipment.
• Knowledge on low level RF.
• Willing to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Effective ability to lead work.
• Ability to read and understand technical information.
• Ability to communicate well both technically and at a general scientific level.
• Ability to produce good written work and reports.
• Suitable for employment to work with ionizing radiation.
• Available for short travels and occasional stays elsewhere.
• Good oral and written proficiency in English.

The following experience and competencies are an advantage:

• Oral and written proficiency in Swedish.
• Experience with MicroTCA.
• Experience with control system.

Application Procedure: The application shall be submitted in English and must include a brief description of your research interests, relevant knowledge, relevant experience, relevant competencies, CV, copies of certificates, diplomas and other documents which the applicant wishes to claim. The applicant shall clearly identify peer-reviewed publications and provide names and contact details of at least two referees and/or attach recommendation letters.

Salary: Individual salary.
 
Starting date: 01-09-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to central collective agreement.

Scope of employment: 100%.

For further information about the position please contact: Kevin Pepitone, kevin.pepitone@physics.uu.se +46-72 9999 368.

Please submit your application by 14 April 2021, UFV-PA 2021/849.

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