Beam Instrumentation Physicist

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Flexible work hours

On-site facilities

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Beam Instrumentation Physicist to design, develop, implement, and maintain beam instrumentation systems for the SNS. The role is based in the Beam Instrumentation Group within the Accelerator Science and Technology Section of the Research Accelerator Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate, ORNL.

Responsibilities include operation ownership of DBCMs, Electron Scanner, Target Imaging System, and new system upgrades; development of study plans;

Qualifications

• PhD in accelerator science or related discipline; MS with 3+ years of relevant experience considered.
• Experience in design, R&D, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and improvement of accelerator systems.
• Extensive knowledge of beam instrumentation and/or accelerator physics, or similar instrumentation.
• Experience in software development.
• Working knowledge of electronics hardware.

Responsibilities

• Supports operation and ownership of SNS beam instrumentation hardware, firmware, and software; develops upgrades and new systems.
• Develops beam study plans to improve instrumentation performance; participates in shifts.
• Publishes results in SNS notes, proceedings, and journals; participates in conferences and workshops.
• Contributes to group goals, resource planning, and policy development; assists with graduate student work.
• Ensures compliance with ESH&Q, including ISMS; provides operational support for accelerator systems with occasional after-hours support.

Skills

Beam instrumentation knowledge

Software development

Electronics hardware

Education

PhD in accelerator science

MS in physics or related field (3+ years experience)

Tools

LabVIEW programming

FPGA programming

Real-time operating systems

Job description

Requisition Id 17347

Overview

We are seeking a Beam Instrumentation Physicist to support the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of beam instrumentation computer systems, electronic control and monitoring systems, RF interface components, and laser control subsystems for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). This position resides in the Beam Instrumentation Group in the Accelerator Science and Technology Section, Research Accelerator Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Overview

We are seeking a Beam Instrumentation Physicist to support the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of beam instrumentation computer systems, electronic control and monitoring systems, RF interface components, and laser control subsystems for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). This position resides in the Beam Instrumentation Group in the Accelerator Science and Technology Section, Research Accelerator Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Supports operation and holds intellectual ownership of the hardware, firmware, and software for SNS beam instrumentation systems, including the Differential Beam Current Monitors (DBCMs), Electron Scanner, and Target Imaging System; develops and implements upgrades and new systems as needs arise.
• Develops lines of inquiry and beam study plans to improve SNS accelerator beam instrumentation performance and participates in shifts to pursue them.
• Participates in scientific conferences and workshops and publishes results in SNS technical notes, proceedings, and journals.
• Contributes to group and section goal-setting, resource planning, and policy development, and assists the group leader in coordinating graduate student work.
• Ensures compliance with ESH&Q program requirements, including ISMS.
• Provides operational support for accelerator systems; typical office hours, with occasional off-hours and weekend support required for 24/7 SNS operations.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications

• A PhD degree in accelerator science, or a related discipline (an MS degree in physics or a related discipline will be considered with at least 3 years of relevant experience).
• Relevant technical experience in design, research and development, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and improvement of accelerator systems.
• Extensive knowledge of beam instrumentation and/or accelerator physics, or similar instrumentation.
• Experience in software development.
• Working knowledge of electronics hardware.

Preferred Qualifications

• A solid understanding of physics theory, particularly electrodynamics.
• Experience working with an accelerator, such as in a control room, conducting accelerator-based experiments, or performing accelerator simulations.
• Experience programming in real-time operating systems.
• Experience with LabVIEW programming.
• Experience with FPGA programming.
• Experience with analog electronics development.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.