Postdoctoral Research Associate – Detector R&D
- Brookhaven Lab
- Location: Upton, New York
- Category: Admin-Laboratory and Research
- Posting Date: 07/14/2023
- Application Deadline: Open until filled
Job Description
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
The Nonproliferation and National Security Department (NN) contributes to U.S. nuclear security and safeguards efforts by assisting in the development, analysis and assessment of policies that strengthen international regimes, collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and threats to the U.S. and international communities, developing and implementing new technologies to address existing and emerging threats, and strengthening the domestic and international institutions that form the framework of the nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security regimes through training and engagement. The Radiation Detection and Emerging Safeguards Technologies Group pursues research and development in radiation detection technology and applications in security, safeguards, and healthcare. The Group is heavily involved in engineering design, modeling, testing, and field deployment of radiation detection systems to support sponsors in their operation and research. In addition, the Group also develops novel detection techniques including machine learning to improve radiation detection and nuclear security and safeguards.
Position Description
The Radiation Detection and Emerging Safeguards Technologies Group is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the detector research and development. In this role you will mainly support the test and evaluation of radiation detectors and systems, including exploration of novel radiation detector technologies, design and execution of test plans, data analysis, and generation of scientific reports. In addition, you will also participate in research and development of new radiation detector technologies, specifically leading tests of early prototypes of custom-designed radiation detector systems. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.
Position Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support programs in the design, development, and implementation of equipment testing for field implementation and data collection for the Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security
- Work in a team to plan and execute test and evaluation studies of radiation detection systems
- Assemble and test early prototypes of custom-designed radiation detector systems in laboratories
- Provide troubleshooting capability during electrical and functional tests of radiation detectors
- Write interim and final project reports and presentations for sponsors
- Publish results of research and development in peer-reviewed, scientific journals
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- A PhD degree in one of the following: physics, nuclear engineering, or relevant fields
- Working knowledge of radiation detector or high-energy particle detectors
- Demonstrated experience in data analysis in scientific research and engineering development.
- Proficient computer skills: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to travel as required for project work and laboratory representation.
- Clear and concise oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated track record of publication of research in high quality peer-reviewed journals and delivery of presentations.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Understanding of ANSI and IEC standards related to radiation detector systems
- Hands-on experience in test and evaluation of detectors in laboratory and/or operational setting
- Knowledge and skills of software programming for data analysis. Demonstrated experience with Python, C++, and/or Origin is a plus
- Familiarity with LaTeX typesetting system
- Understanding of Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction technology development efforts
Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:
- The main scope of work will take place in an office environment as well as in the laboratories. The successful candidate must be able to conduct the activities safely in BNL laboratories by completing required training, interpreting laboratory safety information postings, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
- Must be able to pass Radworker training requirements and be willing to work in a radiation environment
Other:
- Initial 2 year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding
- This position requires you to travel domestically up to 15% of the time
- 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
- This is a fully onsite position based at BNL
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)
- Lab-funded Retirement Plan
- 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 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
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