Postdoctoral Position in Laser-Plasma Interaction at Shanghai Jiao Tong University

The astrophysics division of Tsung-Dao Lee Institute (https://tdli.sjtu.edu.cn/EN/) is seeking 1-2 highly motivated and talented candidates for a postdoc position working with Prof. Longqing Yi, primarily focus on theoretical/computational modeling of relativistic laser-plasma interaction, with applications in advanced particle accelerator, radiation sources, and laser-driven laboratory astrophysics.

Tsung-Dao Lee Institute (TDLI) in Shanghai, China, initiated by Prof. Tsung-Dao Lee (Nobel Prize in Physics 1957), is a newly established national research institute, with Prof. Frank Wilczek (Nobel Prize in Physics 2004) as the current director. TDLI supports research in high energy physics, astrophysics and quantum physics, and aims to become a top-notch research center in the world. Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is the contractor and trustee of TDLI and is in charge of the operation of TDLI. TDLI has an internationalized environment with English as its working language.

Job description

The position is initially for two years, starting from the fall of 2021, with possible renewal up to one additional year depending on successful performance and availability of funds. The TDLI offers a competitive annual salary ranging from 242,000 to 312,000 CNY including housing subsidies.

The position requires sound verbal and written communications skills in English. The successful candidates are expected to conduct independent research in one or a few of the following areas:

1. Develop advanced particle accelerators and light sources based on laser interacting with micro-structured targets.
2. Spin-orbit interaction of light in strong-field optics.
3. Helical/non-helical turbulence evolution in laser-produced plasma.
4. Particle acceleration and radiation production in laser-driven laboratory astrophysics (e.g., magnetic reconnection, collisionless shocks, fast radio burst).
5. QED effects driven by extreme intense lasers in the aforementioned processes.

How to apply

Applicants should have a PhD in physics, astronomy, or other related subjects by the time of appointment. Applicants will be selected based on their numerical skills and publication records. Previous experience in interdisciplinary research areas of laser-plasma physics and laboratory astrophysics is considered a strong advantage.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV (including publication list), a research statement (<5 pages), and arrange three reference letters to be sent directly to Prof. Longqing Yi (lqyi AT sjtu.edu.cn). Applications will have to be sent by 31.08.2021 for full consideration, but the search will remain open till the vacancies are filled.