Postdoctoral Position in Experimental Nuclear Science

Michigan State University East Lansing , United States

Published Mon, 03/22/2021 - 4:31 PM Expiration Fri, 07/30/2021 - 12:00 AM or until the posting is filled


The National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) invites applications from outstanding candidates for a fixed-term research associate (Postdoctoral Researcher) position in the area of experimental nuclear science, who will work in the HiRA research group led by Prof. William Lynch (Lynch@frib.msu.edu).

The successful candidate will lead in the development of experimental equipment and data analysis procedures for FRIB science aimed at elucidating fission processes in rare isotopes and on constraining the nuclear equation of state. The candidate is expected to take a leading role planning future experiments in these areas. The candidate will also work on the analysis of existing data on fission and on the nuclear equation of state.

One research focus of the HiRA group concerns the understanding the nuclear equation of state that is relevant to characterize the properties of neutron-rich systems such as the recently observed neutron star merger. The successful candidate is expected to take a leading role in studying the nuclear equation of state including simulations and analysis of heavy ion collision data acquired recently in a long experimental campaign. The candidate is also expected to lead in planning and designing future experiments to measure the fission barriers of exotic nuclei involving the NSCL Active-Target Time-Projection Chamber (AT-TPC) and other devices. The latter series of experiments provides important information on the fission cycling in the r-process. The postdoc is expected to work closely with theorists to understand the data.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics, Nuclear & Radiochemistry, Nuclear Astrophysics, or related field.

• An ability to carry out independent and original research as demonstrated by published works in refereed journals and/or conference proceedings.

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by published works and by presentations at conferences, workshops, scientific outreach, and other professional meetings.

• Strong research interest, demonstrated in the cover letter, in at least one and preferably several of the following areas: nuclear reactions and/or nuclear fission, nuclear equation of state, large-scale data analysis and interpretation, nuclear detector development, digital data acquisition, experiments with radioactive ion beams.

• The ability to handle export-controlled materials.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrable knowledge of experimental principles and techniques pertaining to measurements of fission, nuclear reactions with intermediate energy nuclear beams, Reactions with rare isotope beam.

• Experience with computer programming for the purpose of acquiring and analyzing data and for comparison with model predictions.

• Experience designing, building, and commissioning new experimental equipment.

Required Application Materials

In the cover letter of their application, applicants must highlight their interest in and experience/expertise related to the open position in the research group of Prof. Lynch. Applicants must provide a Curriculum Vita including a complete list of publications and presentations. Applicants must also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted.

To apply: please visit http://careers.msu.edu, search for posting number 675496 and follow the application process.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin immediately and the search will continue until the position is filled. General questions regarding the position may be sent to the Associate Director for Experimental Research, Sean Liddick (liddick@nscl.msu.edu); specific research questions about this opportunity should be sent to Prof. William Lynch (lynch@frib.msu.edu).

Further information

NSCL Experimental Research, with links to research pages of faculty members: https://www.nscl.msu.edu/researchers/experiments.html.

Profile of Prof. Lynch: http://www.nscl.msu.edu/directory/lynch.html

NSCL: https://www.nscl.msu.edu/

FRIB: https://frib.msu.edu/

Website