Postdoc in Neutrino Physics

Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 81,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two-year term appointment

Comprehensive employee benefits

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory's Electronic Detector Group is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance physics analyses and hardware development for LArTPC experiments, including ProtoDUNE and DUNE PhaseI/II. You will drive R&D and prototyping for the FD Photon Detection System and work on simulations, reconstructions, and sensitivity studies.

The role emphasizes collaboration across international communities, with opportunities to travel for DUNE-related work.

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental particle, nuclear physics, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with simulation and physics data analysis.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and Python.
• Ability to perform research independently and within a group.
• Demonstrated track record of publication in peer‑reviewed journals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine physics analyses of current LArTPC neutrino experiments, focusing on neutron‑capture‑on‑argon tagging techniques and neutrino oscillation measurements.
• Perform event reconstruction, energy calibration, and physics sensitivity studies for DUNE PhaseII.
• Lead efforts in photon detector simulation and cryogenic readout prototyping and integration.
• Travel to SURF, FNAL, and CERN for DUNE related service work and prototyping.
• Document research results and publish papers in scientific journals.

Skills

C++

Python

Data analysis

Research independence

Publication record

Photon detectors

Education

PhD in experimental particle or nuclear physics

Tools

SiPMs

Cryogenic readout electronics

Job description

Organization Overview

Electronic Detector Group (EDG) in the Physics Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory 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 PhaseI, while driving the R&D and prototyping for the DUNE PhaseII 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 PhaseII. This position offers a highly collaborative environment with deep integration into international scientific communities.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Perform event reconstruction, energy calibration, and physics sensitivity studies with a focus on expanding science programs in DUNE PhaseII.
• Lead efforts in advanced photon detector simulation, detector and cryogenic readout prototyping, integration, and assembly, and perform cryogenic tests and efficiency measurement.
• Travel to SURF, FNAL, and CERN for DUNE‑related service work and prototype work.
• Upgrade and maintain the BNL LAr cryogenic test platform in collaboration with lab scientists.
• Communicate, prepare, and conduct presentations for a wide community of physicists, engineers, and managers at meetings and conferences.
• Document research results and publish papers in scientific journals.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in experimental particle, nuclear physics, or related fields.
• 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 Qualifications

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

Benefits

• Initial 2‑year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding.
• Salary range: $80,800 – $84,000 per year.
• Comprehensive employee benefits program.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brookhaven National Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.