Postdoctoral Research Associate - Beam Dynamic and Collective Effects

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.

Essential Duties and 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• This position is primarily office-based and involves computer and analytical work in a standard office or research environment.

• Must adhere to all Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) environmental, health, and safety policies and complete required EH&S training.

Other Information:

• Work On-Site

• 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.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $71900 - $119000 year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

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.

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

Brookhaven Science Associates is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. BSA takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. 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