BNL’s 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 (RD&EST) Group pursues research and development in radiation detection technology and applications in security, safeguards, and healthcare, ranging from development of novel radiation detectors and design and construction of detector systems for broad applications to test and evaluation of radiation detection equipment to support sponsors in operation and research. In addition, the Group also works on artificial intelligence and machine learning to address questions related to detection and safeguards of nuclear and radioactive materials.

The Radiation Detection and Emerging Safeguards Technologies Group is seeking a professional Scientific Associate to support the development, testing and evaluation of radiation detector and systems for nuclear security and international safeguard applications. You will play a key role in the test and evaluation of radiation detector systems as part of the scientific and engineering support to federal sponsors. You will also participate in research and development of new 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 with 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

• Contribute to group, department, and laboratory proposals to federal and non-federal agencies.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A Bachelor’s degree in one of the following: physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering or relevant fields.

• 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 travel as required for project work and laboratory representation.

• Clear and concise communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A Master’s degree in relevant fields.

• Minimum of three (3) years progressively responsible related work experience including supporting scientific research programs following established methods and standards for investigation and experimentation.

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

• Knowledge and skills of software programming for data analysis. Demonstrated experience with Python.

• Demonstrated experience in the preparation of original proposals.

• 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:

• Must be able to conduct research and development activities safely in BNL laboratories by completing required trainings, 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. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $68950 - $89267 / 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.

OTHER INFORMATION: 

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

• Appointment level will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Candidates must have received a Bachelors in physics, nuclear engineering, electrical engineering or relevant fields degree requirements by the commencement of employment

• Irregular hours possible based on experiment design and on program requirements 

• Persons working in this position may need to travel domestically up to 15% of the time.

• This is a fully onsite position located at BNL.