Postdoc in Neutrino Physics

Location: Upton

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

The position is in the Electronic Detector Group (EDG) in the Physics Department  has a long history in the study of kaon, muon, heavy flavor physics (Belle II) and neutrino physics. EDG physicists have major responsibilities in several neutrino experiments: the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) and its prototype (ProtoDUNE), the short-baseline neutrino program (SBN includes MicroBooNE, SBND, and ICARUS), and the reactor neutrino experiments (Daya Bay and PROSPECT).

The EDG currently has twenty-five physicists at various career levels. In collaboration with the Instrumentation Division, the group performs R&D in electronics, detector design, and event reconstruction for liquid-argon TPCs (LArTPC). In collaboration with the BNL Chemistry Department, the group performs R&D on liquid scintillator and water-based liquid scintillator detectors. In collaboration with the Computational Science Initiative, the group develops new software and computing infrastructures to advance Intensity Frontier research.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Physics Department has an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance physics analyses and hardware development for current and next-generation Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) experiments. In this role, you will contribute significantly to current LArTPC programs, including ProtoDUNE and DUNE Phase I, while driving the R&D and prototyping for the DUNE Phase II Far Detector (FD) Photon Detection System.

We seek talented individuals to work on photodetector simulation, R&D, and prototyping, LArTPC event reconstruction, data analysis techniques, and physics sensitivity studies. The expected physics analyses include neutron capture on argon identification and measurement, search for supernova relic neutrinos, measurement of neutrino oscillations, and study of physics capabilities of DUNE Phase II FD. This position offers a highly collaborative environment with deep integration into international scientific communities.

Essential duties and responsibilities

* Physics analysis and simulation

* Develop and refine physics analyses of current LArTPC neutrino experiments, focusing on neutron-capture-on-argon tagging techniques, searches for supernova relic neutrinos, and neutrino oscillation measurements.

* Event reconstruction, energy calibration, and physics sensitivity studies with a focus on expanding science programs in DUNE Phase II.

* Hardware R&D and Operations

* Travel to SURF, FNAL, and CERN for DUNE-related service work and prototype work.

* Lead efforts in advanced photon detector simulation, detector and cryogenic readout prototyping, integration, and assembly, and perform cryogenic tests and efficiency measurement, in collaboration with lab scientists.

* BNL LAr cryogenic test platform upgrade and maintenance in collaboration with lab scientists

* Communicate, prepare, and conduct presentations in a wide community of physicists, engineers, and managers at meetings and conferences.

* Document research results and publish papers in scientific journals.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* PhD in experimental particle, nuclear physics, or related fields.

* A strong interest in experimental instrumentation R&D.

* Demonstrated experience with simulation and physics data analysis.

* Strong programming skills and proficiency in modern languages such as C++ and Python.

* Demonstrated ability to perform research independently and as part of a research group

* Demonstrated track record of publication of research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Direct experience with photon detector technologies (e.g., SiPMs, light guides).

* Hands-on experience with cryogenic readout electronics.

* Familiarity with Noble Liquid detector technology.

OTHER INFORMATION:

* In your electronic application submission, please include (in one document) a cover letter, curriculum vitae, publication list, and a brief description of research interests.

* 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…