Senior Research Fellow /Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Center for Relativistic Laser Science of the of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in Gwangju, Korea, invites applications for one position at the Senior Research Fellow and two positions at Research Fellow (PostDoc) level to support the experimental science effort in Relativistic Quantum Photonics. The positions will report to the Associated Director Prof. B. M. Hegelich. The center studies the interaction of ultra-intense laser light with matter and with a focus on fundamental research into quantum effects at ultra-high strength electromagnetic fields and laser-driven light- and particle sources.

Topical areas for these positions are:

• ultrahigh intensity laser-matter interactions, direct ion acceleration and quantum effects at intensities above 10²³ W/cm²;

• laser wakefield electron acceleration and strong QED processes related to nonlinear Compton scattering and Breit-Wheeler pair production;

• development of a novel high peak power (~100TW) high average power (kW), mid-IR laser system with kHz repetition rates.

CoReLS main experimental facility is a two beam, combined 4PW + 1.5PW laser. In addition, the center also supports a smaller, 150 TW system with multiple target chambers.

A PhD in Physics and experience in executing experiments at ultrahigh intensity lasers or at developing ultrahigh intensity laser systems are requirements for this position. Experience in laser development, optics, opto-mechanical design, programming, hardware control, etc. are highly beneficial. Undergraduate and graduate student teaching and mentoring experience and experience writing grant proposals and publishing papers are also preferred qualifications.

The successful applicant will play a key role in conceiving, planning and executing the groups experimental program on quantum effects in strong classical potentials and laser-particle generation, as well as the development of new diagnostics and laser technology. Experience with high energy physics type particle detectors and their data analysis methods is a plus. He or she will design and implement experiments at CoReLS and off-site at collaborators facilities as required. The candidate will publish results at conferences and in peer reviewed journals. The successful applicant will support the group leader in program development activities, and general operation of the group, as well as mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students.

Level of the position will be dependent on qualification. We offer a very competitive salary. Limited on-campus housing is available.

Questions can be addressed to the Associated Director of the Center for Relativistic Laser Science, Institute of Basic Science, Prof. Bjorn Manuel Hegelich (E-mail: Hegelich@ibs.re.kr).

Applications with the usual documents (CV, list of publications) and names of possible references should be sent by email to corels@ibs.re.kr.