Position Summary
The successful candidate will be involved in the “Study of Open Quantum Systems in Atomic Nuclei”. Part of the work will be dedicated to possible signatures of dark matter in nuclear physics experiments. The work will consist in developing specific instrumentation, running experiments, prepare experiments for the start of FRIB, and analyzing the results. Special theoretical models will be needed for the interpretation of the experiments.
NSCL is one of the world’s flagship nuclear science research facilities. The Laboratory’s research program is broad: fast, stopped, and reaccelerated beams of rare-isotopes are available to address key scientific questions concerning the creation of the elements in the cosmos, the limits of nuclear stability, the properties of nuclei with extreme neutron-to-proton ratios, and the equation of state of neutron-rich nuclear matter as it may exist inside neutron stars. Postdoctoral researchers play an important role in expanding, improving and utilizing the world-class experimental capabilities at the Laboratory. Experimentalists often work closely with theorists in the Laboratory and beyond and projects can involve high-performance computing.
NSCL is part of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beam (FRIB) Laboratory, which aspires to become the world’s leading laboratory for education and research in rare isotope science, in accelerator science, and in applications of rare isotopes to meet societal needs. To realize this vison, the FRIB Laboratory builds on the expertise and the achievements of NSCL as it establishes FRIB, which will extend the frontier of nuclear science through unprecedented discovery potential.
Research Associate positions are typically for two years, depending on the availability of funds. Renewal for the second year is based on a performance evaluation. A third year is possible, subject to funding and satisfactory performance evaluations.
Besides the excellent research environment, the FRIB Laboratory offers a strong program for mentoring postdoctoral researchers in preparation for the next steps in their careers. You can read more in the postdoc mentoring plan. Postdoctoral researchers play a role in running the Laboratory, from leading forefront research to serving on important committees. They help supervise students and, for those interested, there are opportunities to engage with teaching and outreach.
NSCL is funded by the National Science Foundation through the Nuclear Physics program of the NSF Physics Division to be a national user facility with a mission to provide beams of rare isotopes for researchers from around the world. Hundreds of users come to Michigan State University each year to take advantage of our facilities and explore the inner workings of atoms and their role in the universe.
The FRIB Laboratory is a major administrative unit within Michigan State University, comprised of NSCL and the FRIB Project. MSU is establishing FRIB as a scientific user facility with financial assistance from the Office of Nuclear Physics in the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC).
MSU is one of the largest university campuses in the United States with a beautiful campus of 5,000 tree-filled acres. It has 17 degree-granting colleges and is a center for academic and research activities as well as the arts and athletics.
The campus sits between Lansing (Michigan’s capital city) and East Lansing. The Lansing area has a population of 460,000 and offers lovely suburban areas, loft condos and other urban living opportunities as well as easy-to-get-to rural areas. A symphony orchestra, excellent health care, many community and professional theatres, rivers, lakes, outdoor festivals, close access to large cities and Lake Michigan make for a near-perfect living environment.
MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. Job applicants are considered for employment opportunities and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The University actively encourages applications of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Nuclear Physics, Nuclear & Radiochemistr
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, Nuclear & Radiochemistry, Nuclear Spectroscopy, or related field.
- The ability to handle export-controlled materials.
Desired Qualifications
- Resonances near threshold
- ROOT and/or GEANT4 software
- Nuclear electronics
- Gas amplifying systems such as TGEM, micromegas
- Detector conception and construction
Required Application Materials
- In the cover letter of their application, applicants must highlight their interest in and experience/expertise related to the open position in the research group of Prof. Mittig.
- Applicants must provide a Curriculum Vita including a complete list of publications and presentations.
- Applicants must also provide contact information for at least three references for letters of recommendation.
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin immediately and the search will continue until the position is filled. General questions regarding the position may be sent to the Associate Director for Experimental Research, Sean Liddick (liddick@nscl.msu.edu); specific research questions about this opportunity should be sent to Prof. Wolfgang Mittig (mittig@nscl.msu.edu).
NSCL Experimental Research, with links to research pages of faculty members: https://www.nscl.msu.edu/researchers/experiments.html.
NSCL: https://www.nscl.msu.edu/
FRIB: https://frib.msu.edu/
Review of Applications Begins On
12/01/2020
Website
https://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.