Assistant/Associate RF Researcher

Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is the building site for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), a one-of-a-kind nuclear physics research facility. The EIC will be a discovery machine for unlocking the secrets of the "glue" that binds the building blocks of visible matter in the universe. The machine design is based on the existing and highly optimized RHIC Ion-Ion collider. It will consist of two intersecting accelerators, one producing an intense beam of electrons, the other a beam of protons or heavier atomic nuclei which are steered into collisions. Beyond sparking scientific discoveries in a new frontier of fundamental physics, the Electron-Ion Collider will trigger technological breakthroughs that have broad-ranging impact on human health and national challenges.

Position Description

BNL's Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) directorate has an opening in the RF Group for an Assistant / Associate RF Researcher who will work on the conceptualization, design, and analysis of normal-conducting radio-frequency (RF) cavities and their auxiliary components for the EIC Project and will support fabrication oversight, cavity system assembly, verification, installation, and commissioning.

This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize and design normal-conducting RF cavity systems for the EIC project, including cavities, power input couplers, parasitic mode dampers, and tuning methods.
• Perform multi-physics analysis and studies to provide adequate confidence that the RF cavity system will meet requirements.
• Document designs, studies, and measurement results.
• Develop plans and procedures for cavity system assembly, verification, and installation.
• Support fabrication oversight, assembly, verification, installation, and commissioning of cavity systems and their ancillaries.
• Contribute to project planning, budgeting, and execution of normal-conducting RF cavity systems scope for the EIC in collaboration with RF Group leadership and EIC project management.
• Support the development of superconducting RF (SRF) cavity systems for the EIC project.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Bachelor's degree plus 8+ years of related experience, OR Master's degree plus 6+ years of related experience, OR Doctorate's degree plus 2+ years of related experience (post PhD).
• Experience with RF cavity design.
• Experience running RF simulations with RF design software such SuperFish, GDFDL, Mafia, CST, Omega3P Suite, HFSS, COMSOL, or similar.
• Experience with RF measurement equipment such network analyzers, time-domain reflectometers, and spectrum analyzers.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Bachelor's and 12+ years of related experience, OR Master's and 9+ years of related experience, OR Doctorate and 4+ years of related experience (post-PhD).
• Experience with normal-conducting RF cavity design.
• Experience with RF cavity design for Particle Accelerators.
• Experience with traveling-wave RF structures for Particle Accelerators.
• Experience with Multiphysics analysis software such ANSYS, COMSOL, ACE3P.
• Experience with the design, fabrication, and/or commissioning of high-power (kW to MW-level) RF cavities.
• Familiarity with coding languages like C++, Python, Julia, or similar.
• Knowledge of beam-cavity interaction physics.
• Knowledge of SRF for Particle Accelerators.

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• May be required to work with Compressed Gases.
• May be required to work in Oxygen Deficiency Hazard areas and Static Magnetic fields areas.
• May be required to climb Ladders.
• May be required to become a qualified Radiation Worker and work in radiation areas.
• May be required to occasionally work off-hours, nights or weekends to support mission critical projects.
• May involve occasional lifting of components (~30 lbs).

Other Information:

• May be required to travel to attend vendor meetings, project reviews, conferences, and training.
• A hybrid work arrangement is available for working from home one out of five days a week. This should be discussed with the Group Leader.
• Candidate will be placed at the appropriate level based on breadth and depth of knowledge.

Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. This is a multi-level role and the full salary range for this position is $104700 - $176500 / year. You will be placed at the level and salary commensurate with your experience. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification, education and experience and considered with the internal peer group.