Postdoctoral Appointee – Simulation of High-Energy-Density Electron Beam Impacts on Collimators in Fourth Generation Light Source Storage Rings

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

Job posting number: #7114112 (Ref:414262)

Posted: October 20, 2022

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

The Accelerator and Operational Physics (AOP) Group in the Accelerator Systems Division (ASD) provides electron beams of high-reliability and low-emittance to facilitate the productive X-ray Science program at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). The APS Upgrade (APS-U) is a Fourth Generation Storage Ring (4GSR) based on a multibend achromatic lattice design. This upgrade will reduce the beam emittance by two orders of magnitude and generate ultrabright x-rays for users. Concomitant with ultra-low emittance comes ultra-high energy and power densities in the electron beams. These beams must be safely handled in the event of beam trips. Experiments to study the effects of ultra-low emittance beams striking beam-facing surfaces have been conducted and demonstrated the damaging effects of beam dumps. Although experiments are useful, they are expensive. To this end, work is underway to investigate the effects of whole beam loss on beam-facing surfaces such as collimators and beam dumps using computer simulations.

The successful candidate will develop and perform computer simulations of high-energy-density (HED) electron beams as they interact with accelerator components during whole beam dump events expected to occur in the Advanced Photon Source Upgrade (APS-U) storage-ring (SR). Specifically, the candidate will examine the effects of HED beams striking horizontal collimators presently planned for the APS-U SR.


The effort will take advantage of the advanced computational facilities at Argonne National Laboratory such as the LCRC, and allow collaboration with the Mathematics and Sciences (MCS) Division.

Position Requirements

  • A Ph.D. degree in physics, applied math, computer science, and/or related disciplines obtained within the last three years
  • Strong working knowledge of the FLASH code, a multi-physics (magneto)hydrodynamics scientific software system for astrophysics, plasma, and high-energy-density physics.
  • Solid knowledge in the development and use of the FLASH code.
  • A particular emphasis on a strong understanding and experience with defining and generating equations of state (EoS) for low-temperature, high-density plasmas.
  • Ability to develop modern high-order numerical methods for solving partial differential equations.
  • Coupling of the particle-matter interaction program MARS with FLASH.
  • Developing methods necessary to convert density information generated by FLASH for input back into MARS where new dose maps will be generated.
  • Willingness to learn the accelerator dynamics code elegant and provide a method to integrate the code with FLASH and MARS providing a multi-physics simulation of the whole-beam dump event.
  • Utilizing computer resources provided by the Argonne National Laboratory’s LCRC facility as well as those available within the Accelerator Systems Division.

Job Family

Postdoctoral Family

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Please note that all Argonne employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. All successful applicants will be required to provide their COVID-19 vaccination verification as a condition of employment, subject to limited legally recognized exemptions to COVID-19 vaccination.



Argonne is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity in our workforce. As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne prohibits discrimination or harassment based on an individual's age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.


Apply Now

Please mention to the employer that you saw this ad on PostDoc.com

PostdocJobs.com, an AmeriCareers ® service.