Accelerator Physicist at Fermi

Deadline: 05 September 2025
Ref: CA/25/23

**_Background_**

**_Beamline / Project / Activity description_**
- extending the FEL-2 spectral range down to the oxygen K-edge on the fundamental harmonic and to the 1 keV photon energy at the higher order harmonics;
- reducing the pulse duration to sub-15 fs range;
- extending the possibilities of generating multiple pulses while preserving the synchronization between them.

Details on the upgrade strategy can be found on the FERMI 2.0 Conceptual Design Report available here. In particular, the recent completion of the upgrade of FEL-1 to an Echo Enabled Harmonic Generation scheme (EEHG) has doubled the photon energy range of operation of that FEL line. One important aspect to consider, however, is the build-up of the microbunching instability, which grows along the linac and the spreader line distributing electrons to the FEL lines, and which is amplified by the first large dispersive section of FEL-1. Studies are ongoing in order to find a configuration of the accelerator optics capable of mitigating the energy spread growth due to microbunching instability. The results of these studies are, at the same time, the benchmark for the upgrade strategy of the FEL-2 line, aiming at extending its operational range up to the oxygen K-edge and possibly beyond.

**_Job description_**

She/he will collaborate with the physics staff in the development of new concepts to enhance the capability and performance of the FERMI FELs. She/he will be involved in the operation of the facility, is expected to contribute to its further developments, and will be encouraged to develop and strengthen links with accelerator physics specialists from other international facilities.

**_Qualifications_**

Ph.D. in Accelerator Physics or Engineering, or three years of experience in the field of particle accelerator physics and/or free-electron lasers physics are required.

The following additional qualifications will be considered as important assets:

- Experience in tuning and running an accelerator from the control room;
- Good knowledge of accelerator design, accelerator optics, and beam dynamics codes;
- Good knowledge of microbunching instability theory and computational models to quantify it;
- Good knowledge of beam instrumentation;
- Programming skills and knowledge of codes (Python, Matlab, C++; PIC codes such as Parmela, Astra, GPT, Elegant, Genesis, Ginger, etc.)

Good time management skills and ability to prioritize are expected, together with the ability to interact with project partners and work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Good oral and written communication skills in English are essential. A working knowledge of Italian would be desirable.
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- Applications should include full curriculum vitae, and contact information (including electronic mail) of at least two references._
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- The interviews could be performed through video conferencing._
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- Employees or former employees of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. or temporary and staff leasing employees or former employees with working experience at the company 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._