Working/Functional Title
SECAR Postdoc
Position Summary
The nuclear astrophysics group at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking to fill the position of a Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher) in experimental nuclear astrophysics. The successful applicant will work with Fernando Montes and Hendrik Schatz primarily on developing and using the SECAR recoil separator to directly measure astrophysical reaction rates that are critical to our understanding of stellar explosions and the origin of the elements in the Cosmos. This Research Associate position is an annual fixed-term appointment up to three years, depending on the availability of funds. Yearly renewal is based on a satisfactory performance evaluation.
SECAR is nearing completion at the NSCL, commissioning experiments have begun, and first science experiments are expected for 2020/2021. SECAR is jointly funded by the Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), and the National Science Foundation and will initially use NSCL beams, before enabling nuclear astrophysics experiments at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). FRIB is a new national user facility for nuclear science funded by the Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), MSU, and the State of Michigan. It is currently under construction on the site of NSCL and will be operated by MSU.
The position offers collaborative opportunities with other members of the NSCL nuclear astrophysics group (A. Spyrou, C. Wrede, and R. Zegers), with world leading technical staff at FRIB, as well as astrophysicists at NSCL and the MSU Department of Physics and Astronomy. NSCL at MSU is also one of the core institutions of the Joint Institute for Nuclear Astrophysics (JINA-CEE) and the IReNA International Research network for Nuclear Astrophysics that offer unmatched opportunities to collaborate with nuclear experimentalists, astrophysicists, and observers across the world.
- Prepare and conduct experiments in experimental nuclear astrophysics, analyze and interpret the data and disseminate the results in peer-reviewed journals and at professional meetings
- Advance the understanding of the SECAR system and develop, test, implement, and document improvements, auxiliary detection systems, associated data acquisition systems, and analysis tools.
- Be an active member of the NSCL Experimental Research Division and collaborate with other researchers and staff to further nuclear science
- Interact with undergraduate and graduate students and help to supervise their research
- Follow Laboratory-wide policies, procedures and standards and contribute to a safe and welcoming environment at the Laboratory
- Reports to the Faculty Advisor in the NSCL Experimental Nuclear Science Division
- Collaborates closely with Faculty, Staff, and Students at the Laboratory, as well as users and researchers from other institutions
Required Degree
Doctorate
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, Nuclear & Radiochemistry, Nuclear Astrophysics, or related fields
- Ability to work with export controlled technologies
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrable knowledge of principles and techniques pertaining to nuclear science and experimental research
- Experience with computer programming for the purpose of acquiring and analyzing data and for the comparison with model predictions
- Excellent communication skills to present approaches, plans and findings both verbally and through written documents to peers
- Demonstrated interest in nuclear astrophysics
Required Application Materials
Cover Letter, CV and contact information for three references to provide letters of recommendation
Review of Applications Begins On
05/18/2020
Website
www.nscl.msu.edu
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.