Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Decay Experiment Scientist

Position Summary

Michigan State University operates FRIB as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics.

As one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities, FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes, or short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth. FRIB hosts what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, enabling scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry. 

User facility operation is supported by the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. MSU’s nuclear physics graduate program is a top-ranked program nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.

This position affords an exciting opportunity to become part of the world-class FRIB Laboratory that enables unique discovery opportunities in nuclear science.

Major Position Responsibilities:

• User support 
  • Support of users for nuclear decay experiments with lab-supported devices and for reaction studies with reaccelerated beams.
  • Support for the integration of user-owned detectors into larger decay experiment setups such as FDSi
• Perform scientific research related to nuclear physics and/or detection technologies and publish results in scientific journals, present at seminars, and present at professional meetings
• Provide maintenance and development in support of detection technologies, including hardware and laboratory-specific software 
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of nuclear physics
• Knowledge and understanding of nuclear decay experiments
• Excellent knowledge of technical and operational aspects of the scientific instruments supported by the laboratory
• Ability to problem-solve and demonstrate sound critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently, within a team, and in an extensive collaboration
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues related to experiments, lab devices, and detectors
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing with all audiences
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites

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, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Experimental Nuclear Physics or a related

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience with (i) high-purity Germanium detectors, silicon detectors and ancillary detector systems and electronics, (ii) beta and gamma-ray spectroscopy, and (iii) the associated data analysis software
• Research accomplishments in nuclear spectroscopy demonstrated through publications in referred journals and conference proceedings and/or through presentations at conferences, workshops, and/or other professional meetings
• Demonstrated skills in coordinating work associated with the setup and operation of larger detector systems
• Experience with data acquisition systems for gamma-ray and particle detection
• Ability to work with export-controlled technologies

Desired Qualifications

• Experience and ability to work with ROOT/Geant4
• Familiarity with parallel processing data analysis

Required Application Materials

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three references

Special Instructions

Questions related to the position can be directed to Sarah Powell (powells@frib.msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

03/18/2024

Website

www.frib.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.