Research Associate

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:

The Research Associate at Fermilab, having chemistry expertise, will support development of industrial applications of the SRF accelerator, particularly where beam–matter interactions determine overall system performance. This role will enable proper characterization and optimization of electron-beam–induced chemistry (e.g., radical formation, degradation pathways, and byproduct control) for applications such as PFAS destruction, mixed low-level waste treatment concepts, and other environmental or industrial processes. The RA will directly support experimental design, chemical analysis, and process optimization to link accelerator parameters to chemical outcomes.

This capability is essential to move industrial SRF to a fully integrated industrial process technology.

What your day-to-day as a Research Associate will look like:

• Develop theories within the areas of particle physics, accelerator science and technology, astrophysics, or cosmology. Assess the feasibility of testing theories experimentally. 

• Design, build, install or commission new or upgraded elements of experiments or particle accelerators. 

• Participate in data acquisition, conduct analysis and present/publish outcomes at conferences and/or in refereed journals. 

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Essential Competencies and Attributes for Success: 

• Completion of PhD, or to complete by end of calendar year. 

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated potential to make contributions to the Laboratory that will subsequently qualify them for appointment as an Associate Scientist.

Work Arrangement:

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Account

• Paid time-off

• Life insurance

• Short and Long-term disability insurance

• Retirement benefits

• Onsite day care

Why Fermilab: 
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening  

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. 

Equal Opportunity Statement   

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.