Position Summary

FRIB is a new premier facility for studying rare isotopes' properties to understand better nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and societal applications. FRIB includes the highest energy continuous wave superconducting (SC) heavy-ion linear accelerator (linac), Advanced Rare Isotope Separator (ARIS), and SC Re-Accelerator for rare isotope beams. The facility is on the path to increasing primary beam power, maintaining extremely low uncontrolled beam losses, and reducing the set-up time for both driver Linac and Re-Accelerator to provide more beam time for science. State-of-the-art control systems allow accelerator physicists to develop and implement physics applications efficiently to improve FRIB performance.

The Accelerator Physicist will contribute to the development and operation of the FRIB accelerators by undertaking projects and activities to improve facility performance as measured by beam quality, intensity, power, purity, and variety. These activities will focus on enhancing the performance of FRIB and providing planned availability of primary beams on target and secondary beams for experiments.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist with the design, prototype, development, implementation, and maintenance of high-level physics applications 
  • Develop and use physics applications for tuning and optimization of Re-Accelerator
  • Analyze the technical specifications and operational requirements of the re-accelerator
  • Validate the accuracy and reliability of the physics applications and algorithms
  • Create detailed documentation for the developed applications, including user guides and technical specifications
  • Train users and operators on how to use the new tools and applications effectively
  • Continuously monitor the performance of the re-accelerator and adjust applications as needed
• Restore existing tunes or develop new tunes for the low-beam-loss acceleration of high-power primary ion beams in the driver linac 
• Develop new techniques, software, and hardware to improve the performance of the driver- and re-accelerators 
• Conceive and execute studies of beam dynamics and electrodynamics using major programming languages (C++, Python) and computer programs 
• Conceive and execute studies of primary and secondary beam dynamics using existing software 
• Keep FRIB physics application environment up to date by collaborating with EPICS community
• Complete other duties as assigned within the scope of the role

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Highly skilled in developing software for high-level physics applications using  C++ and Python
• Advanced knowledge of software development practices and techniques for computational and data-intensive science problems
• Knowledge and skillful ability with heavy-ion beam diagnostic equipment
• Skills and ability to gather, analyze, and present findings by communicating effectively (both orally and written)
• Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research combining physical sciences/engineering and computing
• Skillful ability to collaborate and work in a team environment
• Ability to analyze and resolve technical problems in a timely manner
• Ability to effectively work in a team
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly 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 -Physics or Computer Science

Minimum Requirements

• A Ph.D. in physics or computer science
• At least one year of experience in accelerator physics and technology or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with scientific application codes

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in the development of computer programs on Python
• Experience with software development practices and techniques for computational and data-intensive science problems
• Experience with nuclear physics, physics of the ion beam interaction with materials
• Experience with distributed accelerator control systems and their underlying concepts

Required Application Materials

CV

Cover Letter

Contact information for three references

Special Instructions

CV

Cover Letter

Contact information for three references

Review of Applications Begins On

09/02/2024

Website

https://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.