The Nonproliferation and National Security Department (NN) contributes to U.S. nuclear security and safeguards efforts by assisting in the development, analysis and assessment of policies that strengthen international regimes, collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and threats to the U.S. and international communities, developing and implementing new technologies to address existing and emerging threats, and strengthening the domestic and international institutions that form the framework of the nuclear non-proliferation and nuclear security regimes through training and engagement.  The Radiation Detection and Emerging Safeguards Technologies Group pursues research and development in radiation detection technology and applications in security, safeguards, and healthcare. The Group is heavily involved in engineering design, modeling, testing, and field deployment of radiation detection systems to support sponsors in their operation and research.  In addition, the Group also develops novel detection techniques including machine learning to improve radiation detection and nuclear security and safeguards.

The Radiation Detection and Emerging Safeguards Technologies Group is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the detector research and development.  In this role you will mainly support the test and evaluation of radiation detectors and systems, including exploration of novel radiation detector technologies, design and execution of test plans, data analysis, and generation of scientific reports. In addition, you will also participate in research and development of new radiation detector technologies, specifically leading tests of early prototypes of custom-designed radiation detector systems. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support programs in the design, development, and implementation of equipment testing for field implementation and data collection for the Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security.

• Work in a team to plan and execute test and evaluation studies of radiation detection systems.

• Assemble and test early prototypes of custom-designed radiation detector systems in laboratories.

• Provide troubleshooting capability during electrical and functional tests of radiation detectors.

• Write interim and final project reports and presentations for sponsors.

• Publish results of research and development in peer-reviewed, scientific journals.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A PhD degree in one of the following: physics, nuclear engineering, or relevant fields

• Working knowledge of radiation detector or high-energy particle detectors

• Demonstrated experience in data analysis in scientific research and engineering development.

• Proficient computer skills: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

• Ability to travel as required for project work and laboratory representation.

• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrated track record of publication of research in high quality peer-reviewed journals and delivery of presentations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of ANSI and IEC standards related to radiation detector systems.

• Hands-on experience in test and evaluation of detectors in laboratory and/or operational setting.

• Knowledge and skills of software programming for data analysis. Demonstrated experience with Python, C++, and/or Origin is a plus.

• Familiarity with LaTeX typesetting system.

• Understanding of Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction technology development efforts.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• The main scope of work will take place in an office environment as well as in the laboratories.  The successful candidate must be able to conduct the activities safely in BNL laboratories by completing required training, interpreting laboratory safety information postings, and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

• Must be able to pass RadWorker training requirements and be willing to work in a radiation environment.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $72700 - $92150 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.

Other:

• Initial 2-year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding.

• This position requires you to travel domestically up to 15% of the time.

• 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.

• Candidates must have received a Ph.D. in physics, nuclear engineering or relevant field, or will have completed all Ph.D. requirements by the commencement of employment.

• This is a fully onsite position based at BNL.