Research Associate

The Physics Department at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is deeply engaged in research utilizing the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Within this department, the STAR Group plays a crucial role in the STAR Experiment, one of RHIC's two major experiments. The STAR collaboration is responsible for designing, constructing, and operating experimental apparatus to investigate the properties of the quark-gluon plasma (QGP), a state of matter thought to have existed shortly after the Big Bang. This experimental setup is vital for understanding the early Universe's conditions and the symmetries that govern its fundamental forces.

The STAR detector, which stands for Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC, is integral to these studies. Its primary goal is to explore the formation and characteristics of the QGP by conducting a range of simultaneous measurements due to the complexity of high-energy nuclear collisions. STAR utilizes an array of specialized detectors to capture and analyze various particle interactions and their properties. This comprehensive approach enables precise data acquisition and in-depth physics analysis, facilitating significant insights into the fundamental aspects of the Universe's early moments. The STAR Group collaborates with international partners to share data and refine the scientific program, contributing to a global effort in understanding high-energy nuclear physics.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a talented individual to take an active role as a Research Associate in the STAR Experiment. This position requires a strong background in managing computing infrastructure and ensuring smooth operations within a dynamic research environment. The selected candidate will help ensure that STAR's research operations run smoothly and efficiently and is expected to work closely with the STAR infrastructure support team to help with optimizing system performance and reliability. This position has a high level of interaction with an international and multicultural scientific community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Proficient in computing infrastructure management, strong technical support skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Work with a team from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.
• A crucial part of the first line of defense for STAR's security and data integrity, ensures that latest security tools and techniques are being applied.
• Responsible for maintaining and administering the STAR computing infrastructure and peripherals, including printers and network devices.
• Provide essential technical support, troubleshooting hardware, software, and systems issues, and using automated diagnostic tools to analyze and resolve problems.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• PhD in Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in both Linux-based and Windows-based systems, including installation and configuration of various Linux distributions.
• Competency in shell scripting (Bash, Python) for task automation.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess technical options and recommend solutions.
• Team-oriented, reliable, self-directed, organized, and capable of handling multiple tasks.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with scientists, engineers, and technical staff.
• Experience in data analysis within high-energy physics or nuclear physics.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Particle Physics or Nuclear Physics is highly desirable.
• Experience with package management systems.
• Experience in managing IT infrastructure in a scientific environment.
• Familiarity with system monitoring tools.
• Experience in configuring and managing common services (e.g., Apache, SSH, DNS, DHCP).
• Awareness of computer security practices.
• Experience with configuration management automation tools such as CFEngine or Ansible.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies.
• Experience with distributed storage systems is considered a strong asset.
  

Environmental, Health & Safety Requirements:

• Will be working in the STAR experimental area, which requires the ability to lift a computer and climb a ladder.

• OTHER INFORMATION:

• Requires travel, including foreign travel
• This position may involve weekend and off-hours work.
• Candidates must have completed all degree requirements by the commencement of the employment.
• Initial 2 year term appointment subject to renewal contingent on performance and funding.
• This is a fully onsite position located at BNL.

• 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 event.
• Brookhaven National 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 $76700 - 79550 / 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.