Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country. Our organization fully supports service members transitioning from active duty to civilian life and pledge’s our commitment to actively hire veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Military personnel who have been formally trained or have relevant experience obtained while in service may meet educational requirements and are encouraged to apply for job opportunities at BSA.

Organizational Overview

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has been chosen as the site for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), a one-of-a-kind nuclear physics research facility.  The EIC will be a discovery machine for unlocking the secrets of the “glue” that binds the building blocks of visible matter in the universe. The machine design is based on the existing and highly optimized RHIC Ion-Ion collider.   It will consist of two intersecting accelerators, one producing an intense beam of polarized electrons and the other a beam of polarized protons or heavier atomic nuclei.  The two storage rings will intersect at two points to provide collisions between the electrons and protons or heavy ions within highly complex detector assembles.  Beyond sparking scientific discoveries in a new frontier of fundamental physics, the Electron-Ion Collider will trigger technological breakthroughs. The efforts related to EIC research are conducted by scientists within the BNL Physics Department. The persons selected will also work closely with the members of the EIC Project Directorate, respective EIC User Group working groups, and the Center for Frontiers in Nuclear Science.

Position Description

BNL is investing in efforts to expand the scientific reach of the EIC. The Electron-Ion Collider Project has currently only one detector and interaction region in the scope, while the wider EIC community is strongly in favor of a second detector. Therefore, a strong case forming the foundation for a national and international funding request needs to be developed. The key goal of this effort is to (i) strengthen the case for a second EIC detector building on the arguments already brought forward by the community, (ii) provide a realistic detector concept that is complementary to the current project detector, EPIC, in terms of physics reach, precision, and systematics and (iii) broaden the physics program of the EIC facility.

In this context, the BNL Physics Department has an opening for two postdoctoral research associates to work on physics and detector simulations, detector design and evaluation of various technologies for a second detector. 

We are seeking talented individuals to take an active role in this project. Experience in experimental particle or high-energy nuclear physics as well as solid knowledge in programming, simulation software, and detector technologies are highly desirable. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Become familiar with the physics of the EIC
• Understand the physics requirements for EIC detectors
• Conduct physics and detector simulation with a focus to expand the science program of EIC
• Help in the design of an EIC detector with complementary technologies to EPIC
• Communication of results in the wider EIC community and at conferences and workshops

Position Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Particle or Nuclear Physics, or related field
• Experience with data analysis and physics simulations
• Strong background in programming
• Knowledge of detector technologies and detector simulations
• Clear and concise written and oral communication skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience in deep inelastic scattering processes
• Knowledge in C++ programming
• Experience with ROOT, PYTHIA, GEANT4, DD4HEP

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Requires occasional travel, including foreign travel
• Initial 2 year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.

At Brookhaven National Laboratory we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid parental leave)
• 401(k) Plan
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
• Employee Fitness/Wellness & Recreation:  Gym/Basketball Courts, Weight Room, Fitness Classes, Indoor Pool, Tennis Courts, Sports Clubs/Activities (Basketball, Ping Pong, Softball, Tennis)

Brookhaven Science Associates requires proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for all employees. Proof of full vaccination as recognized by the CDC and/or WHO is required at the start of your employment.

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

BNL takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

*VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Brookhaven employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file