Full Time 40 hours Grade 000 LLE-Laboratory for Laser Energ

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) at the University of Rochester has an opening for the leader of the Omega Experiments Group within the Experimental Division. The successful candidate will provide leadership and oversight of the Omega Experiments Group consisting of eight group members performing research and development in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and high energy density physics (HEDP) experiments conducted on the Omega Laser Facility and the National Ignition Facility.

The group conducts interdisciplinary research and interacts with the whole of the laboratory, including theory, facility operations, engineering and target fabrication to meet its research goals. The laser direct drive implosions of cryogenically layered deuterium-tritium spherical targets and associated HEDP are studied holistically, including: laser uniformity, laser absorption, laser ablation, laser imprint, shock propagation, energy coupling, hydrodynamic instabilities, laser plasma interactions, hot-electron preheating, implosion symmetry, hot-spot formation, residual kinetic energy, nuclear fusion, compressed areal density. The group performs research and development of innovative target designs to understand and improve implosion performance and of novel diagnostics (optical, X ray, gamma ray, particle) to provide experimental insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a world leading group of researchers in their research and technical growth
• Serve as a member of the Laboratory’s management and leadership team
• Identify research and development goals for the Experimental Division, implement a scientific plan to achieve those goals, and provide updates on goals for the funding agency
• Foster collaborations internally and with external partners: universities, national labs, and industry
• Participate in the National Diagnostics Working Group
• Working with group members to define the annual experimental campaigns conducted on the Omega Laser Facility, the National Ignition Facility or other facilities as appropriate
• Participate as a member of the Omega Facility and Scheduling Committee evaluating experimental proposals; oversee operation of Omega Laser Facility; and work with the Omega Laser Users’ Group
• Specific Group Leader’s management responsibilities include:
  • Track and report on the team performance
  • Develop and manage group’s budget (projects, equipment, supplies, travel)
  • Allocate and provide required resources for group members’ research and development
  • Conduct annual performance evaluations of group members
  • Actively participate in workforce planning, quality assurance, mentoring, and training.
  • Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new workforce in order to retain the best and brightest scientists and engineers to meet the evolving research and development needs of the Experimental Division
  • Recognize, create, and implement plans to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the group, division, and laboratory
  
  

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Engineering, or related field
• Significant experience and subject matter expertise in research and development related to inertial confinement fusion and high energy density physics with a record of published scholarship
• Demonstrated record of leadership, including personnel management in a high-technology research environment.
• Experience leading innovative initiatives, fostering scientific collaborations, building multi-disciplinary research teams, and sustaining relationships with management, research teams, other divisions within LLE, external collaborators, and sponsors
• Experience in decision making and leadership skills necessary to work independently, to work effectively in a team environment, and to oversee the work of others
• Demonstrated commitment to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment
• Expert communication skills, both written and verbal, necessary to effectively explain, present, negotiate, advise, and influence the senior leadership team at LLE
• Experience and demonstrated ability to apply, lead, and develop cutting-edge techniques to address challenges of ICF and /or high energy density physics.
• Experience in guiding and providing strategic direction for projects to a diverse group of scientists, engineers, and technicians, using expert level communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills

In addition to applying online, qualified applicants should submit a dossier that includes a cover letter outlining how the applicant sees himself/herself contributing to the research project, a curriculum vitae and a list of publications. The applicant should also arrange for at least three letters of recommendation to be sent to LLE. All materials should be sent to the attention of:

Steven Stagnitto, Administrative Director
Laboratory for Laser Energetics
250 East River Road
Rochester, NY 14623-1299
Email: steven.stagnitto@rochester.edu
Fax: 585-276-2420

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled