The Neutron Scattering Group, including John Tranquada, Jennifer Sears, and Igor Zaliznyak, is currently soliciting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to collaborate on studies of spin, charge, and lattice correlations in quantum materials. The scope of the neutron scattering research program covers a wide range of topics of current interest within condensed matter, and novel research directions are also encouraged. Ongoing projects study a variety of materials including unconventional superconductors, topological materials, van der Waals materials, and frustrated magnets.

Neutron scattering experiments (with a focus on inelastic measurements) are performed at national user facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, on crystals that are typically grown in our own labs by Genda Gu or obtained through collaboration. We also work closely with other groups in the Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science Division, with expertise in crystal growth, bulk and transport measurements, x-ray scattering, and condensed matter theory.

Position Description:

This job involves the planning and performance of neutron scattering experiments, including developing ideas, data collection and analysis, as well as writing up the results for publication. Projects may build upon existing work within the group or develop new avenues of research related to the physics of quantum materials. Work will take place in collaboration with the other members of the Neutron Scattering group, as well as with the broader Condensed Matter department at BNL. There may be opportunities for crystal growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Write proposals for experimental beam time.
• Perform neutron scattering experiments at remote user facilities.
• Analyze the resulting data.
• Communicate the results through scientific publications in journals and talks at conferences.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Physics (or a closely related field).
• Strong background in condensed-matter physics.
• Computing skills and proficiency with programming for data analysis (Python, IDL, Matlab or suitable alternative).
• A natural curiosity and desire to learn.
• Demonstrated commitment to working safely, acting ethically, and taking personal accountability for operational excellence.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with scattering and spectroscopy-based techniques.
• Experience with the study of structure and excitations in quantum materials.
• Knowledge of magnetism, lattice dynamics, correlated-electron physics.

Other Information:

• Work will be conducted on-site at the BNL campus in Upton, NY. Travel will be required for experiments at national user facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
• 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.
• Brookhaven Laboratory is committed to providing fair, equitable and competitive compensation. The full salary range for this position is $75,000 - $81,000 / 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. ​
• PhD must be obtained prior to commencing employment.
• The appointment will be initially for two years, with the possibility of extension and career growth contingent on performance and funding.

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

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 at www.bnl.gov/real-id.  This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federal REAL 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. 

As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a DOE Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) credential in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) requirements. The credentialing process is completed as part of onboarding and enables access to DOE facilities and information systems. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a UPIV credential. These requirements are established under DOE Order 206.2 Chg. 2, Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM- Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM)), and DOE Order 473.1A- Physical Protection Program- Physical Protection Program.

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

Guided by our core values of integrity, responsibility, innovation, respect, and teamwork, Brookhaven Science Associates is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer-Vets/Disabled. We are committed to fostering a respectful and collaborative environment that fuels scientific discovery. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. 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