As a dedicated Detector Researcher, you will play a crucial role in advancing CR39 particle detection technology through hands-on laboratory work. Your primary focus will be improving the current data acquisition (DAQ) pipeline, involving direct, practical tasks such as fielding detectors during experiments, chemical post-processing of samples, operating laser confocal microscopy systems, and conducting detailed imaging and analysis. Working closely with a team of scientists and engineers, you will spend most of your time in local and external labs, performing experimental procedures, capturing microscopic images, and systematically documenting your findings. Your efforts will be centered on maintaining and optimizing existing detection methodologies, with an emphasis on hands-on experimentation and technical refinement. Through precise sample preparation, microscope-based analysis, and continuous improvement of detection protocols, you will contribute to developing more effective detection capabilities.
As the detection systems evolve, this role will increasingly transition towards more advanced digital methodologies, with future developments promising deeper engagement in software interface development and sophisticated data analysis protocols. Your foundational laboratory work will progressively expand into hardware and software development initiatives, positioning you to contribute to the next generation of detection technologies.
More specifically, you will:
- Maintain and optimize existing detector infrastructure, ensuring continuous operational excellence
- Take part in fusion experiments fielding the detector and being the subject matter expert for this diagnostic
- Work within internal and external labs to process and optically analyze the detectors, creating and processing raw experimental data
- Design and implement new detection methods, including both hardware and software solutions
- Develop and validate new analytical approaches to enhance detection capabilities
- Create and maintain software tools for microscope and other electromechanical system interfaces, data acquisition, and analysis
- Conduct independent research to optimize and improve system sensitivity, reliability, and to reduce analysis times
- Document technical specifications, methodologies, and experimental results
- Develop the transition from analog methodologies to digital systems
- Collaborate with team members to integrate new capabilities into existing workflows
