Postdoc in Neutrino Physics

Brookhaven National Laboratory; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 80,800 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive employee benefits program

Opportunity for salary negotiation based on qualifications

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Upton, New York to advance physics analyses and hardware development for Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) experiments.

Ideal candidates should have a PhD in experimental particle physics with strong skills in physics analysis, programming in C++, and data analysis techniques. The role offers collaboration with international scientific communities and a salary range of $80,800 – $84,000.

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental particle, nuclear physics, or related fields.
• Strong programming skills and proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience with simulation and physics data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop physics analyses of current LArTPC neutrino experiments.
• Travel to SURF, FNAL, and CERN for DUNE-related work.
• Prepare and conduct presentations at meetings and conferences.

Skills

Experimental particle physics R&D

Simulation and physics data analysis

Programming in C++ and Python

Education

PhD in experimental particle, nuclear physics, or related fields

Job description

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The position is in the Electronic Detector Group (EDG) in the Physics Department at BNL. EDG has a long history in the study of kaon, muon, heavy flavor physics (Belle II) and neutrino physics. EDG physicists have major responsibilities in several neutrino experiments: the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) and its prototype (ProtoDUNE), the short‑baseline neutrino program (SBN includes MicroBooNE, SBND, and ICARUS), and the reactor neutrino experiments (Daya Bay and PROSPECT). The EDG currently has twenty‑five physicists at various career levels. In collaboration with the Instrumentation Division, the group performs R&D in electronics, detector design, and event reconstruction for liquid‑argon TPCs (LArTPC). In collaboration with the BNL Chemistry Department, the group performs R&D on liquid scintillator and water‑based liquid scintillator detectors. In collaboration with the Computational Science Initiative, the group develops new software and computing infrastructures to advance Intensity Frontier research.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Physics Department has an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance physics analyses and hardware development for current and next‑generation Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) experiments. In this role, you will contribute significantly to current LArTPC programs, including ProtoDUNE and DUNE Phase I, while driving the R&D and prototyping for the DUNE Phase II Far Detector (FD) Photon Detection System.

We seek talented individuals to work on photodetector simulation, R&D, and prototyping, LArTPC event reconstruction, data analysis techniques, and physics sensitivity studies. The expected physics analyses include neutron capture on argon identification and measurement, search for supernova relic neutrinos, measurement of neutrino oscillations, and study of physics capabilities of DUNE Phase II FD. This position offers a highly collaborative environment with deep integration into international scientific communities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Physics analysis and simulation
  • Develop and refine physics analyses of current LArTPC neutrino experiments, focusing on neutron‑capture‑on‑argon tagging techniques, searches for supernova relic neutrinos, and neutrino oscillation measurements.
  • Event reconstruction, energy calibration, and physics sensitivity studies with a focus on expanding science programs in DUNE Phase II.
• Hardware R&D and Operations
  • Travel to SURF, FNAL, and CERN for DUNE‑related service work and prototype work.
  • Lead efforts in advanced photon detector simulation, detector and cryogenic readout prototyping, integration, and assembly, and perform cryogenic tests and efficiency measurement, in collaboration with lab scientists.
  • BNL LAr cryogenic test platform upgrade and maintenance in collaboration with lab scientists.
• Communicate, prepare, and conduct presentations in a wide community of physicists, engineers, and managers at meetings and conferences.
• Document research results and publish papers in scientific journals.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• PhD in experimental particle, nuclear physics, or related fields.
• A strong interest in experimental instrumentation R&D.
• Demonstrated experience with simulation and physics data analysis.
• Strong programming skills and proficiency in modern languages such as C++ and Python.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research independently and as part of a research group.
• Demonstrated track record of publication of research in high‑quality peer‑reviewed journals.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Direct experience with photon detector technologies (e.g., SiPMs, light guides).
• Hands‑on experience with cryogenic readout electronics.
• Familiarity with Noble Liquid detector technology.

OTHER INFORMATION

• 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 postdoc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness, or other life‑changing events.
• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
• Initial 2‑year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding.
• Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $80,800 – $84,000 per year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive.

EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER STATEMENTS

Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer‑Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other employment benefits. Please contact us to request accommodation. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.