Nuclear Physics Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Central Michigan University; Mount Pleasant (MI); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Michigan University invites applications for a Nuclear Physics Postdoctoral Research Fellow. The role focuses on precision mass measurements at FRIB, including S800 spectrometer time-of-flight mass measurements and LEBIT Penning trap work. The successful candidate will lead experiments, contribute to instrumentation, and mentor CMU students.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in nuclear physics or related field, strong data analysis skills, and a track record in experimental nuclear physics.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in nuclear physics or a related field.
• Experience with experimental nuclear physics techniques and data analysis.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
• Interest in advancing topics in nuclear physics and astrophysics.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Plan and run experiments at FRIB.
• Develop instrumentation for ion traps and beam tracking detectors.
• Supervise CMU graduate students and pursue independent ideas for experiments at accelerator laboratories.

Skills

experimental nuclear physics

data analysis

scientific writing

communication

functions of the job

Education

Ph.D. in nuclear physics or related field

Tools

ion beam optics

data acquisition systems

radiation detectors

ion trapping techniques

Job description

Nuclear Physics Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Position Title Nuclear Physics Postdoctoral Research Fellow

College/Unit College of Science and Engineering

Home Department Department of Physics

Employee Group Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Employment Status Full-Time

Position Type 12 month

Position Classification Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Position Begin Date 11/16/2026

Position End Date 11/15/2027

Posting Begins

Posting Begins 10/05/2026

Open Until Filled

Open Until Filled Yes

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External

Position Summary

The Nuclear Physics and Fundamental Symmetries group in the Department of Physics at Central Michigan University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in experimental nuclear physics. The group performs research in low-energy nuclear physics to address questions in nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure and reactions, and in fundamental symmetries. The group leads research programs at US and international particle accelerator laboratories, with a strong emphasis on experiments at the nearby Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Activities carried out locally at CMU include the development and characterization of radiation detectors and precision mass measurements with the CHIP-TRAP Penning trap.

The selected candidate will be focused on the program of precision mass measurements at FRIB led by Professors Alfredo Estrade and Matthew Redshaw. These measurements have applications to nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and fundamental symmetries. They include time-of-flight mass measurements with the S800 spectrometer, and Penning trap measurements with the LEBIT facility.

As a postdoctoral researcher, the selected candidate will be expected to take a leading role in planning and running experiments at FRIB. The selected candidate may be involved in projects to develop nuclear physics instrumentation for ion traps and beam tracking detectors. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to supervise CMU graduate students, and will be encouraged to develop their own ideas for experiments at accelerator laboratories.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in nuclear physics or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with experimental nuclear physics techniques and data analysis.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
• Strong interest in advancing topics of current research in nuclear physics and astrophysics.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ion beam optics and simulations of ion beam transport.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and event-by-event dataset analysis.
• Experience with radiation detectors and/or ion trapping techniques.
• Experience preparing and running experiments at nuclear physics laboratories.

Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Other Document (1)

Supplemental Questions

• * How did you learn of this vacancy? Please indicate the specific source by title (i.e., CMU website, HigherEdJobs.com, Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, The Chronicle, specific professional association, specific list serv, etc.):

  (Open Ended Question)

Contact and Information

Central Michigan University offers B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. programs in physics and astronomy/astrophysics. The department also offers a full range of general education and service courses in physics, physical science, and astronomy. Further information about the department is available on the department website .

Staff postings - Human Resources | Contact HR | [phone]| 109 Rowe

Faculty postings - Faculty Personnel Services | Contact FPS | [phone] | 308 Warriner

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CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.

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