Postdoc in Neutrino Physics

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:

• In your electronic application submission, please include (in one document) a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief description of research interests.
• 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 $80800 - $84000 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

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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.

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