Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will have the unique opportunity to contribute to one of the research programs listed below:

1. Study of open quantum systems. The goal of the research is to explore the limits of nuclear stability, study the properties of weakly bound nuclei, and understand the nuclear reactions to produce the rarest isotopes.

1. 1. Search for new isotopes (Brad Sherrill, Oleg Tarasov).
   2. Fragment separation and the production mechanisms of rare isotopes (Oleg Tarasov, Brad Sherrill).
2. Investigating phenomena arising in neutron-rich nuclei at and beyond the dripline -  The research program hinges around nuclear structure studies of neutron-unbound resonances and the characterization of neutron-halo nuclei via Coulomb breakup reactions (Aldric Revel). 
3. Study of open quantum systems - The goal of the research is to explore the limits of nuclear stability, study the properties of weakly bound nuclei, and understand the nuclear reactions to produce the rarest isotopes developing a next-generation neutron detectors through invariant mass and missing mass spectroscopy of neutron-unbound states (Thomas Baumann, Paul Gueye).
4. High-precision mass measurements of rare isotopes – The goal of the research is to perform high-precision mass spectrometry using ion traps to address a range of science topics including nuclear structure, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, highly-forbidden decays, etc. This position will include a mix of hardware developments and experiments performed online at FRIB using the LEBIT facility. (Ryan Ringle)

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform research and development activities to support the FRIB experimental program. 
  • Make detailed observations, analyzes data, and interprets results.
  • Compile results and prepares technical reports and documentation of outcomes.
  • Collaborate with other researchers with respect to larger or more complex studies. 
• Prepare and submit research results for publication. 
• Attend conferences and seminars and present the results of the research program.
• 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 science
• Capacity to conduct independent and original nuclear science research using strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to design and execute experiments and/or analyze experimental data, interpret results, and draw conclusions.
• Ability to collaborate and work with a diverse group of students and scientists.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate effectively and credibly, both verbally and in writing with all audiences.

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 -nuclear physics, nuclear or radiochemist

Minimum Requirements

• PhD. in nuclear physics, nuclear or radiochemistry, nuclear astrophysics or related field.
• Must be published in nuclear science in refereed journals and/or conference proceedings.
• Must have experience in presenting published work at conferences, workshops, during scientific outreach, and other professional meetings.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience programming in C++.
• Experience in using ROOT and Geant4.
• Experience in nuclear electronics and data acquisition.
• Experience in detector design and assembly.

Required Application Materials

1. Cover letter highlighting area of interest and experience related to position.
2. CV including complete list of publications and presentations.
3. Contact information for at least three references.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin in April and continue until positions are filled.

Review of Applications Begins On

04/15/2024

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.