Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

FRIB SEE Facility Operator I

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes, or short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth. Hosting what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry. User facility operation is supported by the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics as one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities. MSU’s nuclear physics graduate program is a top-ranked program nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.

This position affords an exciting opportunity to become part of the world-class FRIB Laboratory that enables unique discovery opportunities in nuclear science.

Purpose: 

The FRIB SEE Facility Operator will assist user teams with conducting experimental studies and will assist in maintaining and improving the facility’s capabilities. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Interface with and support user teams before, during, and after experimental operations.
• Maintain functional readiness of SEE beamlines, instrumentation, and user controls infrastructure to support user experimental programs.
• Performs shift work as required, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure consistent operational coverage. 
• Maintain equipment and process calibrations to ISO9001 standard. 
• Perform other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in the job classification. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Skilled in proactive, strategic, and detail-oriented approaches with a strong commitment to quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems with processes and hardware.
• Ability to build trust and maintain strong relationships with diverse experiment teams.
• Understanding of user controls infrastructure (e.g., EPICS or similar control systems, PLC fundamentals, networked instruments, etc.).
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of lab/beamline safety, PPE, lockout/tagout (LOTO), radiation/laser/cryogenic/chemical hazards as applicable, and incident reporting.
• Ability to rapidly learn new instrumentation, software releases, and revised procedures; adjust to evolving experimental needs.
• Knowledge of principles of service orientation, queue management, prioritization, and stakeholder communication in a 24/7 or shift-based setting.
• Ability to problem-solve and demonstrate sound critical thinking skills.
• Ability to collaborate with others and work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suites.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor degree in Engineering or Physics or a related field; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in one or more of the following: operation of research equipment, cryogenic systems, electronics, mechanical design, or computer systems; may require experience in the use of scientific software and/or engineering design and analysis systems; experience in the use of exotic materials (including knowledge of their properties), the fabrication and/or assembly and/or operation of sophisticated research equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline
• Experience with electrical and/or mechanical hardware systems and instrumentation
• Experience with ultra-high vacuum systems
• Experience with particle accelerator beam lines or other radiation-producing devices
• Experience with electronic circuit design software, such as Altium or similar
• Experience in user- or customer-interfacing roles
• Experience with energy deposition and radiation transport modeling software such as GEANT4, FLUKA, MCNP, PHITS, SRIM

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Please provide a cover letter and resume. 

Work Hours

Shift work required including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

Website

frib.msu.edu

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 03/10/2026 at 11:55 PM