Scientist

Deadline: 22 February 2026
Ref: GA/26/3

**_Background_**

**_Beamline / Project / Activity description_**

The FERMI FEL is based on the high-gain harmonic generation (HGHG) seeding scheme and strongly relies on the use of ultrafast laser systems for the generation of the electron bunches (photoinjector laser, or PIL), suppression of microbunching instabilities (laser heater, or LH), seeding by tunable UV light (seed laser, or SL) and pump-probe experiments at the user stations (pulses derived from the seed laser, or SLU). The Elettra Laser Laboratory team provides full operational support and implements continuous refinement and upgrades of these systems to support the FEL source improvements. Recent examples are the implementation of the echo-enabled harmonic generation (EEHG) seeding scheme, as well as FEL2 operation reaching the oxygen K-edge by 200 nm seeding. Further emphasis on enhancing the performance of the seed pulses in this spectral region, i.e., 200 nm and below, is planned for the near future. The Elettra Laser Laboratory team is also actively involved in the development and support of the set-ups for user experiments using combined FEL/external laser pulses for pump-probe experiments. A task of growing importance for the Elettra Laser Laboratory is also the support of laser systems related to the ongoing Elettra 2.0 facility upgrade. An important first step in this respect is operational support and further development of the two tunable deep-UV narrowband lasers installed in the new Elettra Inelastic Ultraviolet Scattering (IUVS) laboratory.

**_Job description_**

**_Qualifications_**

A Ph.D. in Physics or Engineering is required together with the following technical skills:

- expertise in the daily use and maintenance of laser systems, including oscillators and amplifiers (in particular Ti:Sapphire based) and complex optical set-ups;

Experience in the development and use of set-ups for the generation and characterization of deep-UV light pulses is highly desirable.

The following qualifications would be considered as additional assets (please indicate relevant publications or thesis in the specific field):

- A research background in the fields of lasers, ultrafast and nonlinear optics and spectroscopy
- Set-ups involving use of deep ultraviolet (DUV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light, and related vacuum equipment
- Familiarity with nonlinear/ultrafast optics software (open or commercial software)
- Programming skills in Python or Matlab, including interfacing of instruments
- Experience with TANGO control system

Good time management skills and ability to prioritize are expected, together with the ability to interact with staff and facility users at all levels and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Good oral and written communication skills in English are essential.
- The appointment envisioned is a permanent staff position, with a three-month trial period. The salary will be commensurate with previous experience and qualifications._
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- The interviews may be held via video conferencing._
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- Permanent employees of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. will be excluded from the present selection procedure. Employees or former employees of any Italian Public Entity who have exercised authority over Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. or have negotiated with Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. within the last three years, will also be excluded from the present selection procedure, in accordance with the provisions of article 21 of the Italian legislative decree no. 39/2013 and in conjunction with article 53 (subsection16ter) of Italian legislative decree no. 165/2001._
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- We thank all applicants in advance._