Postdoctoral Research Associate – AI in Nuclear Physics at Brookhaven National Laboratory

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 ProgramThe 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 experimentPerform physics analysis using sPHENIX dataCollaborate with physicists and computer scientists on publishing research findingsRequired Knowledge Skills and Abilities:Ph.D. in Particle or Nuclear PhysicsClear and concise oral and written communication and presentation skillsPreferred Knowledge Skills and Abilities:Working knowledge of tracking reconstruction and tracking performance evaluationKnowledge and programming experience in scientific Machine LearningWorking knowledge of large-scale data processingProgramming experience in C ROOT and GEANTWorking knowledge of Linux Operating SystemExperience in scientific and technical development towards the Electron Ion ColliderOther 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 eventsCandidates 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 candidates 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 1st2026 and the position will be open until fulfilled.References will be requested at the appropriate point in the search process.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 This is due to nationwide identification requirements for federal site access as required by the federalREAL 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.About UsBrookhaven National Laboratory () delivers discovery science and transformative technology to power and secure the nations 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 Energys (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 EmployerBrookhaven Science Associates is an equal opportunity employer that values inclusion and diversity at our Lab. We are committed to ensuring that all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age status as a veteran disability or any other federal state or local protected class. BSA takes affirmative action in support of its policy and to advance in employment individuals who are minorities women protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. 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 ContractorBSA 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: Experience:IC Key Skills Laboratory Experience,ELISA,Immunoassays,Mammalian Cell Culture,Biochemistry,Cell Biology,Research Experience,Cell Culture,Molecular Biology,Microscopy,Research Laboratory Experience,Western Blot Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Yearly Salary Salary: 78500 - 81500