Postdoctoral Research Associate, Radiation Physics for Machine Protection

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) Directorate has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the development and implementation of radiation transport modeling and machine protection strategies for the EIC accelerator complex. This position will focus on Monte Carlo simulations to characterize the radiation environment resulting from beam losses and synchrotron radiation, with the goal of informing component design, shielding, and electronics protection strategies.

The successful candidate will work closely with the beam optics, lattice, and engineering teams to evaluate energy deposition, power losses, total ionizing dose, and other radiation-relevant quantities across the Electron Storage Ring (ESR), Hadron Storage Ring (HSR), and Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS). This role offers an opportunity to make key contributions to the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of one of DOE's flagship accelerator projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform FLUKA-based Monte Carlo simulations of beam-induced radiation in EIC machine components

• Quantify energy deposition, power loss, radiation-to-electronics (R2E) relevant quantities, and total ionizing dose

• Support the development of machine protection strategies through radiation environment modeling

• Collaborate with magnet, vacuum, and shielding engineering groups to evaluate and optimize design choices

• Contribute to technical documentation and present results at internal reviews and conferences

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in Physics, Accelerator Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or a related field

• Experience with radiation transport codes (e.g., FLUKA, Geant4, MCNP etc.)

• Excellent programming and data analysis skills (e.g., Python, C++, or similar)

• Solid understanding of particle-matter interactions

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience modeling synchrotron radiation and beam loss effects in accelerators

• Familiarity with accelerator component design and shielding requirements

• Exposure to electronics radiation hardness and R2E evaluations

• Prior experience in high-energy accelerator facilities or large-scale simulation environments

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Any information pertaining to the environment, health or safety requirements for a position that will be considered when evaluating a candidate (e.g., details from JAF)

Other Information:

• Some travel required

• 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.