Postdoctoral Research Associate - Accelerator Physics
Content + Source + Freshness • 17 Dec 2025 • 95% confidence
Offer value
Equally appealing as a research opportunity; entails similar niche parameters attracting specialized candidates.
- Involvement with prestigious scientific research.
- Competitive salary commensurate with academic standards.
- Opportunity for extensive collaboration in a large network.
Pros
- Work at a prominent facility within a reputed institution.
- Advanced research tools and supportive environment.
- Networking opportunities within a large scientific community.
Cons
- Highly specialized role may restrict potential candidate pool.
- On-site requirement may not appeal to everyone.
Who it's for
Early Career / Postdoctoral • On-site
Good fit
- Postdoctoral candidates in STEM fields
- Individuals proficient in theoretical simulations
- Professionals interested in impactful research roles
Not recommended for
- Persons lacking PhD qualifications
- Candidates seeking strictly remote endeavors
- Those unwilling to be part of a high-pressure research environment
Motivation fit
Key skills
About the job
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
The National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory is a state-of-the-art synchrotron facility that produces high-brightness X-rays for cutting-edge scientific research. The Accelerator Physics Division at NSLS-II drives innovation in beam dynamics and accelerator technologies to enhance the performance of ultra-low emittance synchrotron light sources.
Position Description
The NSLS-II Accelerator Physics Division is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to theoretical and computational studies of beam dynamics for ultra-low emittance synchrotron light sources. The role focuses on advancing scattering theories for realistic bunch distributions shaped by higher-harmonic RF cavities and developing integrated simulations of collective effects at high beam intensities. The appointment will be for a 2-year term.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Investigate the interplay between scattering effects and other collective effects to determine beam intensity and lifetime limits.
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Implement theoretical models into accelerator physics simulation codes and perform large-scale HPC simulations.
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Propose and evaluate theoretical strategies to mitigate collective effects, providing recommendations to lattice design experts for NSLS-II upgrade optimization.
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Assist with preparation for benchmarking experiments at NSLS-II and collaborations with other storage ring facilities.
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Give presentations and report ongoing work.
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Present technical papers at conferences and publish in scientific journals.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Ph.D. degree in Physics or related discipline, with a concentration in accelerators or electrodynamics.
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Strong background in particle beam dynamics, collective effects, or plasma physics.
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Demonstrated experience in analytical modeling and numerical simulations.
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Proficiency in scientific computation.
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Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative research environment.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Knowledge of collective effects in storage rings.
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Working knowledge of particle tracking codes such as ELEGANT, MAD-X, and Accelerator Toolbox.
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Working knowledge of the MATLAB and Python programming languages.
Other Information:
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Work arrangement: On-site
Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $71,900.00 - $88,000.00 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
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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
