Postdoctoral Research Associate, Accelerator Physics

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is the building 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 electrons, the other a beam of protons or heavier atomic nuclei which are steered into collisions. Beyond sparking scientific discoveries in a new frontier of fundamental physics, the Electron-Ion Collider will trigger technological breakthroughs that have broad-ranging impact on human health and national challenges.

Position Description

The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) project is seeking an accelerator physicist at the postdoc level to join the accelerator design team. Core duties are simulation and optimization of electron beam spin polarization in the electron storage ring (ESR) of the Electron-Ion Collider. This includes expanding the spin tracking capabilities of the accelerator design and simulation code BMAD.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• As part of a small team, optimize the electron beam spin polarization of the ESR by minimizing depolarizing effects through analytical studies and computer simulations

• Collaborate with the BMAD development team at Cornell University by implementing new features into the code

• Participate in the EIC design effort in a more general sense

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in Accelerator Physics or a related field

• In-depth working knowledge of accelerator design codes such as BMAD, MADX, or ELEGANT

• Working knowledge of programming languages like FORTRAN, C++, or Python

• Demonstrated understanding of spin dynamics in electron storage rings

• Good communication skills, both oral and written

• Teamwork

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Broad understanding of accelerator physics

Other Information:

• Willingness to travel abroad to collaborate with experts in the field, as needed

• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment

• 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

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $71900 - $119000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.