Head of Department of Electron Acceleration and Applications

Job offer

Head of Department of Electron Acceleration and Applications

The Electron Acceleration and Applications Department advances laser-driven electron beam technologies, including laser-based free-electron laser approaches, and their use in fundamental and applied research. This work enables cutting-edge research in laser wakefield electron acceleration, strong-field quantum electrodynamics, ultrafast radiobiology, and other multidisciplinary studies. The department provides specialized instrumentation and expertise for user experiments and fosters international scientific collaboration.

Job description:

The successful candidate will:

• Coordinate and foster effective collaboration among department staff, engineering support teams, the laser team, and other scientific departments.
• Lead the development of advanced technologies to enhance the department’s laser-driven electron beamlines (ELBA, ALFA, and LUIS)—improving targetry, diagnostics, optics, and instrumentation for fundamental and applied research fields.
• Collaborate with national and international research institutions, as well as industrial partners.
• Oversee administrative tasks, including strategic planning, reporting, and ensuring compliance with institutional and project requirements.
• Coordinate and contribute to the preparation and publication of scientific results, with active participation in international conferences.
• Pursue external funding opportunities through the development of competitive grant proposals.
• Lead and support internal and external educational, outreach, and science communication activities.

Requirements:

Qualifications and Experience

• Ph.D. in Physics or a related field, with a strong background in laser–plasma interactions and laser wakefield electron acceleration.
• Minimum of 10 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in experimental laser-plasma physics and electron beamlines development.
• Experience working in user-oriented research environments and collaborative experimental campaigns.
• Recognized international expert with a strong publication record in the specialized field, successful leadership of research projects, and active participation in scientific collaborations (e.g., invited talks, joint projects).
• Demonstrated success in securing external research funding and managing complex research initiatives.

Leadership and Management Skills

• Proven experience managing diverse scientific teams, including mentoring postdocs and Ph.D. students.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to align departmental objectives with institutional goals.
• Experience in overseeing large-scale experimental systems and coordinating the operation of complex research infrastructure.
• Competence in preparing technical reports and specifications, meeting deadlines, and following formal reporting protocols.
• Strong leadership in promoting a collaborative and inclusive culture both internally and with external partners.

Communication and Collaboration

• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage effectively with internal teams, international collaborators, and the user community.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining research networks, including participation in funded consortia and joint development projects.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

We offer:

• Opportunity to work in this unique international scientific institution
• Competitive and motivating salary
• Good working environment
• Professional education
• Pension contribution / RESAVER
• 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 (+420 601 560 322) by the 15th September 2025.

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.