Postdoctoral Research Associate – AI in Nuclear Physics

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.

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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.

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