Division: AA-Accelerator Tech-Applied Physics

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL, https://www.lbl.gov/) Accelerator Technology and Applied Physics Division (https://atap.lbl.gov/) has an opening for a Radiation Scientist to join the team.

This role will work on high impact assignments requiring significant experience with radiation physics at particle accelerators, with the expectation of rapid turnaround at the BELLA Center in the Accelerator Technology & Applied Physics (ATAP) Division. The BELLA Center is a world-renowned, state-of-the-art research facility where ultra-intense laser systems are applied to enable novel regimes of compact particle acceleration and their radiation applications. Electron beams from table-top setups have already produced high-quality electron beams at the GeV level, while radiation such as muons, X-rays, and protons are explored for applications. This laser-plasma-accelerator research area is considered globally as the next frontier in high-societal-impact applications of compact particle accelerators, including in bio-medicine, security, particle physics exploration, and transformative manufacturing, among others.

The responsibilities of this position involve calculation of radiological quantities, shielding design, radiation optimization for scientific applications, detector development, target area and accelerator design review, and maintenance and development of operational authorization & safety documentation for the BELLA Center. This position will also collaborate with LBNL’s Radiation Protection Group and DOE’s Berkeley Site Office.

What You Will Do:

• Assist in the execution of radiation calculations & simulations, potentially supported by the theory and modeling partners in the BELLA Center, and in close coordination with LBNL’s Radiation Protection Group. This is both for shielding design studies, as well as for radiation control & optimization for applications.
• Participate in ongoing research projects at the BELLA Center as related to radiation generation and detection, including benchmarking simulations to experimental results.
• Conduct, with minimal supervision, radiological risk assessments and design of protective measures to minimize radiation exposure of people and of the environment.
• Organize and perform radiation measurements campaigns to characterize the radiation environment and to improve the safety of accelerators and BELLA facilities operation.
• Contribute to the development and operation of the BELLA Center radiation safety systems, including documentation (Safety Assessment Documents, Work Authorizations, Hazard Analysis), hardware integration, and periodic Personnel Protection Systems evaluations. Since lasers are the key drivers of BELLA Center’s plasma accelerators, this position will closely involve laser safety systems as well.
• Work jointly with technical staff and engineers in the design of equipment and shielding to minimize radiation damage.
• Collaborate in research and development activities in radiation physics in support of the BELLA Center mission, and publish results. Activities could include detector development, radiation measurements, and developing control over radiation dose yields (including optimization for applications).
• Participate in reviews of incidents involving radiation-associated events, components, and procedures.

What is Required:

• A PhD in the field of applied physics, nuclear engineering, or a related field, and 1 to 3 years of experience in working in an accelerator environment, including demonstrated experience with shielding design, activation calculations, and radiation safety systems, or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Demonstrated in-depth experience dealing with Monte Carlo radiation generation and transport codes (e.g. FLUKA, MCNP, PHITS, GEANT4).
• Experience in working and or collaborating with technical, operational, scientific and administrative staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of radiation generating mechanisms, theory, and operation of radiation monitoring equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable radiation protection regulations and requirements.
• In-depth knowledge of radiological hazard analysis and shielding design methods.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all constituents including internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with DOE Accelerator Safety Order and Guidance documents.
• Demonstrated excellent initiative and ability to plan, anticipate and identify needs, assess and resolve complex problems, develop and coordinate plans to accomplish objectives.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills to communicate with divisional leaders, managers, staff, and other stakeholders clearly and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to develop organization-level and other high-impact communications and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within collaborations.
• Proven excellent organization and multi-tasking skills, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment to independently establish priorities and perform multiple projects simultaneously.

Salary:
If hired at level 3:
The full salary range of this position is between $9,280 to $15,660 per month and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $10,439 to $12,758 per month depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.

If hired at level 4:
The full salary range of this position is between $10,924 to $18,433 per month and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $12,290 to $15,022 per month depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.

Notes:

• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• This position will be filled at a Level 3 or 4 depending on the skills, knowledge, and experience of the candidates.
• This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• 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.

How To Apply
Apply directly online at http://50.73.55.13/counter.php?id=257147 and follow the on-line instructions to complete the application process.

Based on University of California Policy – SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof of Full Vaccination or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit https://covid.lbl.gov/ for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA, https://diversity.lbl.gov/ideaberkeleylab/) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:
Know your rights, click here (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ofccp/posters) for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf) under 41 CFR 60-1.4.