Postdoctoral Research Associate - Accelerator Physics

Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC; Upton (NY); On-site; USD 74,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Brookhaven National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the NSLS-II Accelerator Physics Division to conduct research on multi-harmonic RF cavity systems and advanced bunch-stretching techniques for ultra-low emittance storage rings.

The successful candidate will perform analytical and numerical studies, optimize RF parameters, and collaborate with accelerator physicists and RF engineers to advance beam dynamics and stability. The appointment is for two years.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics or related discipline with research in accelerator physics, beam physics, or RF systems.
• Strong background in accelerator beam dynamics, with emphasis on longitudinal beam dynamics, RF systems, and instabilities.
• Experience with analytical modeling, numerical simulations, and scientific computing for accelerator physics.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data analysis and simulations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical and computational studies of multi-harmonic RF cavity systems for bunch lengthening.
• Investigate beam loading, transient beam-loading, fill-pattern dependence, and longitudinal stability in harmonic cavities.
• Optimize RF system parameters to achieve stable bunch-lengthening solutions.
• Perform numerical simulations using codes such as ELEGANT to study longitudinal dynamics and instabilities.
• Collaborate with RF engineers to assess feasibility of multi-harmonic configurations and define requirements.
• Support beam-based studies and experimental benchmarking at NSLS-II.
• Present results at meetings and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Accelerator beam dynamics

Longitudinal beam dynamics

RF systems

Analytical modeling

Numerical simulations

Python

MATLAB

Education

Ph.D. degree in Physics or related discipline

Tools

ELEGANT

MAD-X

Accelerator Toolbox

Job description

The National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory is a state-of-the-art synchrotron facility that produces high-brightness X-rays for cutting-edge scientific research. The Accelerator Physics Division at NSLS-II advances beam dynamics, RF systems, diagnostics, and accelerator technologies that enable reliable high-current operation of present and future ultra-low emittance synchrotron light sources. The NSLS-II Accelerator Physics Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on multi-harmonic RF cavity systems and advanced bunch-stretching techniques for ultra-low emittance storage rings. The successful candidate will work with accelerator physicists and RF engineers to study longitudinal beam dynamics, RF system performance, and beam stability in support of future storage-ring upgrades and advanced accelerator concepts. The appointment will be for a 2-year term.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct analytical and computational studies of multi-harmonic RF cavity systems for bunch lengthening in ultra-low emittance storage rings.
• Investigate beam loading effects, transient beam-loading phenomena, fill-pattern dependence, and longitudinal beam stability in active and passive harmonic cavity configurations.
• Evaluate operating conditions and optimize RF system parameters, including cavity voltages, phases, detuning frequencies, and feedback settings, to achieve stable bunch-lengthening solutions.
• Perform numerical simulations using accelerator physics codes such as ELEGANT and related software to study longitudinal beam dynamics and coupled-bunch instabilities.
• Work closely with NSLS-II RF engineers and accelerator physicists to assess the feasibility of proposed multi-harmonic cavity configurations and define operational requirements for future implementation.
• Support preparation for beam-based studies and experimental benchmarking of harmonic cavity systems at NSLS-II.
• Present research results at scientific meetings and conferences and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ph.D. degree in Physics or a related discipline with research experience in accelerator physics, beam physics, or RF systems.
• Strong background in accelerator beam dynamics, with emphasis on longitudinal beam dynamics, RF systems, beam instabilities.
• Demonstrated experience with analytical modeling, numerical simulations, and scientific computing for accelerator physics applications.
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of higher-harmonic RF cavity systems, beam loading, transient effects, coupled-bunch instabilities, and longitudinal beam stability in storage rings.
• Experience with accelerator simulation tools such as ELEGANT, MAD-X, Accelerator Toolbox, or related beam dynamics code.
• Experience with high-performance computing, numerical optimization, parameter scans, or large-scale simulation studies.
• Familiarity with RF cavity operation, including active and passive harmonic cavities, detuning, quality factor, shunt impedance, and longitudinal feedback systems.

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $74,050.00 - $90,000.00 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group. 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 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. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory – view more information at www.bnl.gov/real-id. This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL ID Act. Those not in possession of a REAL ID-compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews. As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg. 2, Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM- Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM)), and DOE Order 473.1A- Physical Protection Program- Physical Protection Program.

About Us

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, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, 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 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 BSA 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