Physicist Staff Scientist/Engineer

The Nuclear Science Division (NSD) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) invites applications for a Career-Track/Career Staff Scientist position from outstanding scientists to conduct original experimental research with emphasis on the properties and structure of heavy nuclei. An initial focus is the development of an exciting research program exploiting recent advances in instrumentation and capabilities at the 88-Inch Cyclotron. The appointment level will depend on qualifications and experience.

The successful candidate will join the Heavy Element Research Group and will have significant responsibilities in all aspects of the group’s activities, playing a leadership role in executing the experimental program and helping develop new directions for the group. They will be heavily involved in the training of students and post-docs. 

Measuring the properties of the heaviest elements to establish the limits of their existence and their structure is a major activity in nuclear science and an important part of the LBNL Low-Energy Nuclear Physics Program. The program also includes  major ongoing activities to investigate the structure of nuclei far from beta stability and to carry out nuclear data evaluation and measurements for basic and the applied nuclear science communities. We develop, construct, and utilize advanced instrumentation for this work including the gamma-ray tracking arrays GRETINA and GRETA, and the heavy element mass separators BGS and FIONA. Research is carried out locally at the 88-Inch Cyclotron (LBNL’s high-intensity stable-beam accelerator), at the Argonne ATLAS/CARIBU facility, and at the rare-isotope beam facilities FRIB at Michigan State University, the Rare Isotope Beam Factory (RIBF) at RIKEN, and the ISAC Facility at TRIUMF. 

Specific Responsibilities

• Conduct original research on the properties of heavy nuclei.
• Provide technical leadership to conceptualize, design, set-up, and perform nuclear science experiments using the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator and associated instrumentation at the 88-Inch Cyclotron, such as FIONA.
• Establish collaborations to exploit unique research opportunities on the science of heavy nuclei. 
• Independently solve complex problems using ingenuity, creativity, and advanced scientific principles.
• Publish papers, reports, and act as Principal Investigator on new proposals and projects.
• Provide supervision of more junior colleagues including post-docs and graduate students.
• Make oral presentations of original work to Division and Lab Management as well as the broader scientific community.

Required Qualifications:

• Several years of relevant research and or professional experience (combined) beyond the customary highest degree (PhD) appropriate in nuclear physics or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently within a research environment.
• Extensive knowledge of nuclear science, especially in the area of low-energy nuclear physics (structure and reactions).
• Skilled at analysis of data from nuclear physics experiments.
• Demonstrated productivity in terms of peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Ability to interact professionally with staff within the Division, Laboratory and at other laboratories; including Scientists and Engineers.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Requested Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Statement of research experience and interests.
• Names and contact information for at least five individuals who can write letters of reference, with at least one from outside the USA.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Phair at email LWPhair@lbl.gov.

The posting shall remain open until the position is filled, however, for full consideration, please submit all application materials by February 28, 2022.

Notes:

• This is a full time, M-F, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), Career-track/Career appointment.
• Salary is commensurate with experience.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

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