Postdoctoral Research Associate- LEGEND

Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Oak Ridge, TN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on the LEGEND program’s search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of Ge-76. This position resides in the Neutrino Research Group in the Fundamental Nuclear & Particle Physics Section, Physics Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). As part of our research team, you will play an active role in the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of Ge-76 with the LEGEND-200 experiment, currently operating at LNGS, help lead the R&D, design, and implementation of the LEGEND-1000 experiment, and pursue R&D that extends the physics potential of low-background, rare-event searches. The successful candidate will work closely with a range of students, other postdoctoral fellows, scientific and engineering staff, visiting scholars, as well as a large network of international collaborators. Networking opportunities extend to the group’s broad research program in low-energy neutrino interactions at the SNS and HFIR, as well as research programs in fundamental symmetries and nuclear physics within the ORNL Physics Division. Further, ORNL supports an active postdoctoral program, which provides research support, professional development, and social activities.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in experimental nuclear physics, particle physics, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions.
• All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.
• This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.
• This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
• For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
• Applicants cannot have received their Ph.D. more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.
• The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension.
• Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance and availability of funding.
• Please arrange for three letters of reference when applying to this position.
• Letters should be sent to [email protected] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

Nice To Haves

• Hardware and/or data analysis/simulations experience relevant to rare event searches
• Demonstrated experience with low-background detectors, cryogenic liquid scintillators, plastic scintillators, additive manufacturing, and/or Ge detector technology
• Advanced computer programming experience, including parallel computing frameworks, C/C++, Julia and/or python
• Experience with training AI surrogate and/or inverse models
• Experience working in underground laboratories and/or clean rooms
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to actively engage with international collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Assume a leading role in one or more of the group’s contributions to the LEGEND program:
• Contribute to the LEGEND-200 data analysis and the development of advanced analysis routines
• Contribute to the R&D on advanced instrumentation, design, and simulations of the next generation LEGEND-1000 experiment.
• Develop new low-background materials, scintillators, and production techniques, including custom synthesis of PEN and clean additive manufacturing processes
• Integrate AI/ML into experimental design, data analysis, and detector performance evaluation workflows
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Benefits

• medical and retirement plans
• flexible work hours
• on-site fitness
• banking
• cafeteria facilities
• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree