Accelerator Physicist

The National Synchrotron Light Source is a state-of-the-art, medium-energy (3-billion-electron-volt, or GeV) electron storage ring that produces x-rays up to 10,000 times brighter than the NSLS. The mission of the National Synchrotron Light Source is to provide extremely bright x-rays for basic and applied research in biology and medicine, materials and chemical sciences, geosciences and environmental sciences, and nanoscience. To support this program, the NSLS-II must design, fabricate, assemble, test, install, and operate unique research equipment to generate, transport, transfer, accelerate and focus electron and X-ray beams. This includes a combination of custom designed and built parts and vendor produced components developed by a collaboration of the NSLS-II scientific, engineering, and technical staff. NSLS-II supports an international user community of over 2,200 researchers from 400 universities. NSLS-II performs all these functions in an environmentally responsible and safe manner, under a rigorous conduct of operations approach.

Position Description

NSLS-II is seeking a junior or mid-career Accelerator Physicist with experience in accelerator controls and modeling for a position in Accelerator Physics (AP) Group. The AP group is involved in operations of NSLS-II, and the upgrade design of NSLS-II accelerator systems, as well as in support of projects in partner organizations.

Reporting to the NSLS-II Accelerator Physics Group Leader, the candidate will focus on support of accelerator modeling and controls, and maintaining and expanding controls capabilities. The candidate will also be responsible for diagnostics and troubleshooting of accelerator systems from the device level to High Level Applications and development of system interfaces in the areas of Power Supplies, RF, Vacuum, Insertion Device and Equipment Protection.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working with Accelerator Division and Accelerator Controls Team experts, support and improve operations of accelerator systems, including Linac, Booster, Transport lines and Storage Ring

• Support, develop and troubleshoot accelerator components via their controls

• Support maintenance and development of accelerator applications, such as orbit feedback, orbit interlock, Top-off and energy ramp routines and Control Room tools

• Build machine models, verify and improve them in beam studies

• Maintain an environment conducive to openness, collaboration, and respect for all

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in Accelerator Physics plus 4 years of relevant technical work experience

• Broad knowledge and understanding of particle accelerators

• Demonstrated proficiency in:

  • Accelerator modeling and experimental tools

  • Accelerator Controls (EPICS)

  • Simulation codes (ELEGANT, MAD)

  • Computations and operations of clusters

  • Control theory with applications to accelerator systems

  • Use of Machine Learning tools

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Proficiency with standard MS Office tools including Excel, PowerPoint and Word

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in Accelerator Physics plus 6 years of relevant technical work experience

• Experience with more than one of the following technical software: Python, Matlab, MathCad

• Experience with commissioning and maintenance of accelerator systems

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• May be required to occasionally work off-hours, nights and/or weekends to support mission critical projects

Other Information:

• This is an onsite position

• Domestic/international travel will be required

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $130,0000 - $180,000 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Energy and Photon Sciences Directorate are committed to your success. We offer a supportive work environment and the resources necessary for you to succeed.