Postdoctoral Research Associate – AI in Nuclear Physics

Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to employee success and we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Review more information at BNL | Benefits Program

The primary research focus of the Brookhaven Physics Department is the exploration of hot and cold QCD using the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) and the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC).  The sPHENIX Group in the BNL Physics Department plays a central role in the sPHENIX experiment at RHIC, which has been taking physics data since 2023.  The group also plays a strong role in developing the sPHENIX physics program, with particular emphasis on jets, photons, heavy flavor, and quarkonium, and in developing the future ePIC detector at the EIC.

The Physics Department has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The selected candidate will join an interdisciplinary team, working closely with scientists in the Physics Department and BNL Computing and Data Science (CDS) to develop the application of cutting-edge generative AI, such as Foundation Models, to the sPHENIX experiment with an eye towards future use at the EIC. The successful candidate could also take a significant role in existing research activities in which the department has a strong presence, such as the sPHENIX physics program, and EIC detector R&D. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research in applying cutting-edge generative AI, such as Foundation Models, to the sPHENIX experiment
• Perform physics analysis using sPHENIX data
• Collaborate with physicists and computer scientists on publishing research findings

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Particle or Nuclear Physics
• Clear and concise oral and written communication and presentation skills

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of tracking reconstruction and tracking performance evaluation
• Knowledge and programming experience in scientific Machine Learning
• Working knowledge of large-scale data processing
• Programming experience in C++, ROOT, and GEANT
• Working knowledge of Linux Operating System
• Experience in scientific and technical development towards the Electron Ion Collider

Other Information:

• Requires travel, including foreign travel (typically a few trips per year.)
• BNL policy requires that after obtaining a PhD, eligible candidates for research associate appointments may not exceed a combined total of 5 years of relevant work experience as a post-doc and/or in an R&D position, excluding time associated with family planning, military service, illness or other life-changing events
• Candidates must have completed all degree requirements by the commencement of the employment.
• Brookhaven National Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $78500 - $81500 / year. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.
• Initial 2-year term appointment subject to 1-year extension contingent on performance and funding.
• Candidate selection will start by Jan 1st 2026 and the position will be open until fulfilled. 
• References will be requested at the appropriate point in the search process.

Brookhaven National Laboratory requires all non-badged personnel including visitors to produce a REAL-ID or REAL-ID compliant documentation to access Brookhaven National Laboratory – view more information atwww.bnl.gov/real-id.  This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federalREAL ID Act.  Those not in possession of a REAL ID-compliant document will not be permitted to access the site which includes access to the Laboratory for interviews. 

About Us

Brookhaven National Laboratory (www.bnl.gov) delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nation’s future. Brookhaven Lab is a multidisciplinary laboratory with seven Nobel Prize-winning discoveries, 37 R&D 100 Awards, and more than 70 years of pioneering research. The Lab is primarily supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science. Brookhaven Science Associates (BSA) operates and manages the Laboratory for DOE. BSA is a partnership between Battelle and The Research Foundation for the State University of New York on behalf of Stony Brook University. BSA salutes our veterans and active military members with careers that leverage the skills and unique experience they gained while serving our country, learn more at BNL | Opportunities for Veterans at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Brookhaven Science Associates is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.  BSA takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.  *VEVRAA Federal Contractor

BSA employees are subject to restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation at the time of hire for review by Brookhaven. The full text of the Order may be found at: https://www.directives.doe.gov/directives-documents/400-series/0486.1-BOrder-a/@@images/file