We Are:

Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and at locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

We are strategic risk takers, innovators, and collaborators. We are engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals. We are over 2,000 employees advancing knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Fermilab has been at the forefront of particle physics for more than 40 years. We build world-leading accelerators and detectors to conduct some of the most advanced particle physics experiments possible. We collect and analyze the data from those experiments with some of the most powerful computers in the world. We conduct this research on a 6,800-acre prairie, 35 miles outside Chicago, a treasure that has been designated a National Environmental Research Park.

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) seeks a highly qualified candidate for a Postdoctoral Research Associate - Experimental Beam Physics position in its Proton Source Department.

Fermilab is the leading US institution in High Energy Physics and the world leader in the accelerator-based neutrino physics, delivering a powerful proton beam to produce neutrinos for the NOvA experiment. In parallel, Fermilab is preparing a large upgrade to its acceleration complex, The Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II), to produce a significantly increased flux of neutrinos for the new DUNE experiment. The largest part of PIP-II is replacement of existing 400 Mev Linac by a new 800 MeV superconducting linear accelerator, PIP-II linac. Commissioning of the PIP-II linac and its operation will require development of novel accelerator physics techniques as well as application of all experience collected at linacs at Fermilab and in the world. This development is expected to involve Machine Learning.

The successful candidate will focus primarily on accelerator physics - related aspects of preparation to commissioning and operation of the PIP-II linac. It involves analytical estimations, linac lattice simulations, writing specifications for the computer applications to measure and control the beam, writing prototypes of these applications in Python, and testing them at the existing Fermilab Linac. The candidate is also expected to participate in Fermilab's accelerator operations where they will receive hands-on training in operating the existing Linac. At the later stage of the appointment, the candidate will participate in commissioning of the PIP-II linac.

The candidate will be encouraged to publish their work and present results at workshops and conferences.

A successful candidate will work with a diverse and inclusive team and be encouraged to collaborate with universities and laboratories. Fermilab looks to draw from the widest range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to maximize innovation and creativity.

This position is for an initial period of up to three (3) years, with the potential for extension considered on a yearly basis thereafter.

Qualifications and Essential Job Functions:

• PhD in Accelerator Physics or a related discipline by the time of the appointment.
• Strong record of recent accomplishments in experimental physics, preferably in accelerator physics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English as demonstrated by presentations at conferences and a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Candidates must be proficient in Python or another programming language and know linear algebra well. Experience with Machine Learning is a plus.
• Preferable candidates should be familiar with beam dynamics simulations and accelerator diagnostics and have experience in analyzing experimental data.
• Respect, understand and value individual differences that embody the principles of diversity.
• Abide by all environment, safety and health regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop theories in the areas of sub-atomic particles, particle accelerators, astro-physics or cosmology; conduct studies on the feasibility of testing theories experimentally.
• Design, build, install or commission new or upgraded elements of experiments or particle accelerators.
• Participate in data acquisition; conduct data analysis and present/publish outcomes in conference proceedings or refereed journals.
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Physical Activity and Work Conditions:

• Human factors: Mental Concentration, Sitting, Visually Demanding.
• Physical Factors: Confined Space, Ionizing Radiation, Oxygen Deficiency Hazard, High voltage.
• Ability to work underground and climb stairs.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit via Academic Jobs Online:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Research Statement
• Publication List
• Three Reference Letters (to be submitted by the reference writers at the AJO site).

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27458

Appointment is for a specific term and is typically offered to scientists who have recently (normally in the last two years) received their doctoral degrees. The term of appointment will be calculated from the time of arrival at Fermilab and may be extended as appropriate.

Fermilab is an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes a diverse and inclusive environment based on mutual respect is essential to our mission. Fermilab is committed to recruiting and developing the most hardworking people and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, country of birth, geography/postal code, disability, marital status, parental or gestational status, or other non-merit factor.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab and FRA requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.