Postdoctoral Research Associate - Beam Dynamic and Collective Effects
About The Position
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 (BNL) is the building site for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), a one-of-a-kind nuclear physics research facility. The EIC will be a discovery machine for unlocking the secrets of the "glue" that binds the building blocks of visible matter in the universe. The machine design is based on the existing and highly optimized RHIC Ion-Ion collider. It will consist of two intersecting accelerators, one producing an intense beam of electrons, the other a beam of protons or heavier atomic nuclei which are steered into collisions. Beyond sparking scientific discoveries in a new frontier of fundamental physics, the Electron-Ion Collider will trigger technological breakthroughs that have broad-ranging impact on human health and national challenges. Position Description The Research Associate - Beam Dynamics and Collective Effects position supports the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) by conducting advanced accelerator physics studies to ensure stable and reliable operation of the Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS), Electron Storage Ring (ESR), and Hadron Storage Ring (HSR). The researcher will develop and analyze impedance models, perform high-fidelity beam dynamics simulations, and study collective effects to guide hardware design, system integration, and commissioning strategies. This role involves close collaboration with physics, engineering, and controls teams and contributes directly to achieving the collider's performance goals.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in accelerator physics or related field by start date.
- Strong background in beam dynamics, collective effects, and impedance modeling.
- Experience with advanced simulation tools (Xsuite, MAD-X, Impact-X, TRACK, etc.) and Python-based workflows.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment
- Candidates must have received a Ph.D. by the commencement of employment.
- BNL policy requires that after obtaining their 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.
Nice To Haves
- Experience developing or contributing to high-level accelerator applications (HLAs) and integrating simulation workflows with control systems.
- Working knowledge of EPICS and its use in accelerator control and data acquisition environments.
- Proficiency in collaborative software development practices, including version control (e.g., Git) and data analysis tools in Python.
Responsibilities
- Develop detailed impedance budgets for each ring and carry out beam dynamics simulations with full lattice and wakefield models to identify instability thresholds and operational limits.
- Analyze collective effects, including transverse space-charge, electron cloud phenomena, and single- and coupled-bunch instabilities, and assess their impact on beam stability and cryogenic systems.
- Investigate RF-driven beam manipulation schemes such as HSR bunch splitting and ESR reversed-phase operation to support design performance and flexibility.
- Utilize advanced simulation codes (e.g., Xsuite, MAD-X, Impact-X, TRACK, ELEGANT) and Python-based workflows to integrate and analyze results.
- Provide physics input to hardware design reviews, commissioning plans, and machine protection strategies.
- Collaborate closely with the controls group on the development of high-level applications (HLA) and participate in system integration activities.
- Present results in internal reviews, technical meetings, and conferences, and contribute to technical notes and publications.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Industry
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
