Jefferson Lab

    Come join our team at Jefferson Lab, where great minds matter.

    Posting Date: 06/27/2025

    Salary Range: $78,600 - $139,200 (SS I)

    Work Location Type: Dedicated On-Site (working 100% on-site)

    What your job will be like:

    The Jefferson Lab Target Group is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist to contribute to the development and implementation of advanced target systems for JLab's experimental nuclear physics program. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and technicians on state-of-the-art instrumentation, with an emphasis on liquid hydrogen and other cryogenic targets. The successful candidate will support the operation of existing targets in Jefferson Lab's four experimental end stations and will be involved in all aspects of new target development, from preliminary design, through construction, testing, and installation.

    In this role you will:

    • Coordinate with Jefferson Lab scientists and users to define target requirements and configurations for upcoming experiments that utilize existing cryogenic target systems and oversee any necessary modifications to those systems.
    • Schedule the transport, installation, preparation, and removal of targets to and from the experimental halls. Oversee the day-to-day operation of target systems during experiments and provide on-call support when needed.
    • Prepare written procedures and other work-control documents for target operation, installation, and maintenance.
    • Work with Target Group scientists, engineers, designers, and technicians to develop future targets at Jefferson Lab.
    • As time permits, participate in JLab's experimental physics program.
    • Use CAD software to generate 3D models and fabrication-ready drawings for new and replacement target system components.
    • Perform mechanical and thermal engineering analysis calculations for target components and assemblies.
    • Check drawings and calculations performed by other Target Group staff for accuracy and completeness.

    Qualifications we require:

    Education

    • Ph.D. Physics or Engineering

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

    • Working knowledge of cryogenic systems, vacuum technology, process piping, heat transfer and fluid dynamics utilized in nuclear or particle physics experiments
    • Demonstrated experience with process control and data acquisition
    • Ability to communicate clearly and share ideas with scientists, engineers, and technicians, via verbal or written instructions and oral presentations

    Please send at least 2 reference letters, a cover letter to a statement of research interest to Chris Ross (cross@ jlab.org) and
    Chris Keith (ckeith@ jlab.org)

    About Jefferson Lab

    Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community. A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of “big science” and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by Jefferson Science Associates, LLC; Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.

    Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab

    At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:

    • Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans • Flexible Spending Accounts

    • Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)

    • 401(k) Plan – 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested • Flexible Work Arrangements (Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)

    • Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs

    • Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches, mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast

    Jefferson Science Associates, LLC (JSA) manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). JSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

    JSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting @jlab.org or contact Human Resources by calling (757) 269-7100 and selecting option 1 between 8 am – 5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.

    Employment with JSA is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.