Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics
About The Position
This position offers an excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher interested in experimental nuclear physics, machine learning, and detector development. The successful candidate will contribute to the Iowa State University Experimental Nuclear Group's leading role in the sPHENIX collaboration at Brookhaven National Laboratory, with a focus on heavy flavor and quarkonia physics. The initial emphasis will be on Foundation Model development using the sPHENIX silicon tracking system to improve collision data reconstruction as part of a collaborative Genesis Phase I project with Brookhaven National Laboratory and MIT. In addition to advanced machine learning and detector development work, the candidate will have opportunities to lead physics analyses, develop innovative analysis techniques, contribute to high-impact publications, participate in international collaborations, attend conferences, and build an independent research profile in preparation for future career advancement.
Requirements
- PhD in nuclear physics, high-energy physics, or closely related field
Nice To Haves
- Proficiency in modern programming languages (e.g., C++ and/or Python)
- Experience analyzing large datasets
- Experience with software-based machine learning, including modern approaches such as foundation models and/or generative adversarial networks (GANs)
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the Iowa State University Experimental Nuclear Group's leading role in the sPHENIX collaboration at Brookhaven National Laboratory, with a focus on heavy flavor and quarkonia physics.
- Develop Foundation Models using the sPHENIX silicon tracking system to improve collision data reconstruction as part of a collaborative Genesis Phase I project with Brookhaven National Laboratory and MIT.
- Engage in advanced machine learning and detector development work.
- Lead physics analyses.
- Develop innovative analysis techniques.
- Contribute to high-impact publications.
- Participate in international collaborations.
- Attend conferences.
- Build an independent research profile in preparation for future career advancement.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
- WorkFlex options for some positions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
