Senior Beam Physicist

Niowave; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical isotope company in Lansing is seeking a Beam Physicist responsible for designing and implementing beam optics for superconducting accelerators. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in accelerator physics and 5+ years of relevant experience. This role involves significant mentoring responsibilities and collaboration with various engineering teams. The position operates mainly during weekdays with travel expected between multiple company locations, emphasizing teamwork and integrity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with accelerators in a research or production environment.
• Broad understanding of accelerator beam physics and beamline technology.
• Expert level analytical skills; ability to mentor team members in beam physics.

Responsibilities

• Maintain calculations of the beam optics for the superconducting accelerator.
• Interface with controls engineers to automate control of beamline elements.
• Train operations staff in the operation of high-power electron beamlines.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Project management skills

Communication and learning styles assessment

Experience in mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accelerator physics or equivalent

Job description

We are a team of scientists, engineers, technicians, and innovators dedicated to changing the world by developing medical isotopes to treat and eradicate cancer. We believe in building an environment where collaboration, curiosity, and camaraderie thrive. We also enjoy darts, cornhole, ping-pong, chili cook-offs, and other fun events that make our company a community where we make a life, not just a living.

Who you are…

You find enjoyment in solving puzzles, designing and connecting systems for efficient and dynamic productivity. Words that describe you are curious, collaborative, and hands on. You contribute to the workday with genuine comradery.

What you can expect to work on…

The Beam Physicist has a significant responsibility over the design and implementation of the beam optics for the superconducting accelerator. This position will involve updating and analyzing the beam optics design through achromatic bend sections of Niowave’s unique two-pass system on a continuous basis. This role will also be the focal point for training other staff, including operations staff, in how to properly verify and maintain the beam tune.

• Maintain calculations of the beam optics for the superconducting accelerator that can be used to guide operations and plan improvements to the machine.
• Interface with controls engineers to automate control of beamline elements and read back data from diagnostics into the controls system.
• Interface with nuclear engineers concerning the design and operation of the x-ray conversion target.
• Be part of the team designing the concept, architecture, and components of future systems.
• Train operations staff in the operation of high-power electron beamlines and diagnostics.
• Conduct optimization work on existing systems, perform measurements and validation tests
• Confirm system capabilities by designing testing methods.

What you need to succeed…

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of accelerator physics (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience with accelerators in a research or production environment.
• Experience interfacing with teams operating accelerators.
• Broad understanding of accelerator beam physics and beamline technology.
• Regularly engages in mentoring multiple team members in beam physics.
• Expert level analytical and problem‑solving skills; Organizational and project management skills for self and teams.
• Embrace and model the Niowave Values of Teamwork, Courage, Integrity, and Upright Zeal.
• Understand how to integrate into a new team/organization – appreciate the history of current state, know how and when to make suggestions, as well as using just the right pace to reach the improved future state.
• Understand their own communication and learning styles, can assess others’ styles, and is able to find the right path to connect the two.

Great to have…

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in the field of accelerator physics (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years beam physics experience.
• Experience leading teams to complete large projects.
• 2+ years experience of direct supervisory experience of five or more people.
• Full‑time position.
• The company’s standard operating hours are Monday thru Friday 6a – 6p with production related activities requiring 24/7/365 shifts.
• This position will have regular working hours during M – F with an expectation of adjusting to meet technical objectives and to meet with staff working outside of the standards operating hours as needed.
• Niowave has multiple locations within the Lansing area. Travel between locations is expected in the role.

Please provide a cover letter specifically describing the nature of your interest and expertise.