Laser Operator

The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC (ELI ERIC) is the world’s largest and most advanced high-power laser research infrastructure. As an international user facility dedicated to multi-disciplinary science, ELI provides access to world-class high-power, high-repetition-rate laser systems and enables cutting-edge research, as well as breakthrough technological innovations. The ELI ERIC operates as a single multi-site organization with two complementary facilities specialized in different fields of research with extreme light: ELI Beamlines in Dolní Břežany (Czech Republic) and ELI ALPS in Szeged (Hungary).

ELI Beamlines Facility operates four cutting-edge high-power femtosecond laser systems reaching unprecedented intensities. The operational laser systems make unique femtosecond sources of X-rays and accelerated particles available to scientific users for pioneering research in physical, chemical, materials, life and medical sciences as well as physics of dense plasmas, warm dense matter, and laboratory astrophysics. The ELI Beamlines Facility employs over 350 researchers, engineers and other professionals from more than 38 countries.

In our team we have the following position available: Laser Operator

Basic description of laser projects at ELI-Beamlines

ELI-Beamlines is a research facility dedicated to using high intensity lasers to drive experiments for users and part of the larger ELI – ERIC research consortium. In order to provide the widest range of experimental opportunities in a single facility, ELI-Beamlines has 4 state-of-the-art high power lasers with output peak powers ranging from TW to 10 PW levels. The lasers are at varying stages of development with some nearing completion and others already running experimental campaigns for users. Several technologies are utilized in these lasers such as high power diode pumped solid state laser (DPSSL) technology, Ti:Sapphire amplification, optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA), Nd:glass amplification, and fiber lasers/amplifiers. A brief summary of the beamlines is provided below:

• L1-Allegra is a 1 kHz, 50 mJ laser based entirely on thin disk DPSSL pumped picosecond OPCPA. This laser is used regularly for user experiments and is currently being upgraded to have an auxiliary pulse train and a higher output energy of 100 mJ;
• L2-DUHA is under development and is designed to be a 100 TW, 50 Hz laser for driving a laser wakefield accelerator. This laser based on high energy OPCPA pumped by a cryogenically cooled Yb:YAG multi-slab DPSSL;
• L3-HAPLS is a 10 Hz, 1 PW laser which was developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This laser is currently being used in user experiments and performance ramping of the laser to improve the output parameters has begun;
• L4-Aton is a kJ-class laser with a design peak power value of 10 PW firing once every 5 minutes and based on amplification via OPCPA and Nd:glass. Commissioning is ongoing with a primary focus on compression of the high energy pulse to 10 PW peak power.

Job description:

• daily startup and operation of a large scale laser system;
• undertake routine maintenance tasks;
• produce and maintain necessary documentation;
• contribute to hands-on experimental work on prototyping and laser development towards higher energy output;
• contribute to further development of laser controls and GUIs;
• contribute to development of operation manuals;
• support daily operation of the laser development laboratory.

Requirements:

The successful candidate will contribute to the daily laser operation as a member of the laser development team. This contribution will consist primarily of laboratory work with high power lasers and their supporting systems. A basic knowledge of lasers/optics and previous hands-on experience is ideal, but training will be provided on the specific technologies we are using. At least a bachelor’s degree in physics, engineering, or related field is required.

We offer:

• opportunity to work in this unique international scientific institution;
• competitive and motivating salary;
• flexible working hours;
• good working environment;
• career growth, professional education;
• meal allowance, pension contribution;
• 5 weeks of holidays and 6 days of personal leave;
• support of leisure time activities.

Applications, containing CV, cover letter, contacts of references, and any other material the candidate considers relevant, should be sent to Mrs. Jana Ženíšková, HR Senior Specialist (jana.zeniskova@eli-beams.eu, +420 601 560 322).

Information on the processing of personal data can be found on https://www.eli-beams.eu/informace-o-zpracovani-vasich-osobnich-udaju-gdpr/. We are an equal opportunity employer.