Postdoctoral Research Associate - Quantum X-ray Imaging

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As one of the newest, most advanced synchrotron light sources in the world, the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) enables its growing research community to study materials with nanoscale resolution and exquisite sensitivity by providing cutting-edge capabilities. This facility is open to users from academia and industry. Its operations coincide with a moment when the world is entering a new era with a global economy driven predominantly by scientific discoveries and technological innovations.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Coherent Hard X-ray (CHX, 11-ID) beamline at NSLS-II seeks a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in computational imaging, data science, or scientific computing. This position will focus on developing advanced image reconstruction methods, signal processing techniques, and data analysis pipelines for novel X-ray imaging modalities, including ghost imaging, quantum-enhanced imaging, and other correlation-based methods.

As part of a DOE-BER-funded effort to develop a quantum-enhanced X-ray microscope for low-dose biological imaging, the successful candidate will work closely with experimental physicists, biologists, and data scientists. The emphasis will be on enabling high-fidelity image reconstructions from sparse and noisy data, leveraging state-of-the-art methods in compressed sensing, optimization, and machine learning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct experimental studies using structured, correlated, or quantum light to probe samples with reduced dose.
• Carry out X-ray imaging experiments using time-resolved detectors and beam-splitting or structured illumination setups.
• Assist in the commissioning and operation of experimental hardware such as beam splitters, nonlinear crystals, scintillators, and specialized detectors.
• Develop and adapt experimental protocols for both absorption-based (radiographic) and scattering-based imaging.
• Collaborate with beamline staff, biologists, and data scientists to plan and execute interdisciplinary experimental campaigns.
• Maintain and contribute to analysis software and simulation tools for experimental planning and data reduction.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Optics, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in optical or X-ray experiments, or related experimental photon science.
• Proficiency in scientific programming for experimental control or data analysis.
• Ability to work independently in a laboratory setting and collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with correlated photon techniques such as ghost imaging, intensity interferometry, or parametric down-conversion.
• Strong understanding of light-matter interaction and detection techniques (e.g., photon counting, time-resolved detection).
• Familiarity with synchrotron or XFEL beamline environments and relevant instrumentation.
• Experience with time-resolved or single-photon detectors.

Additional Information:

• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $78,000 - $100,000/ 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.
• 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 post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events.
• 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.

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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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