Post Doc Fellow

Inside Higher Ed; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Robust retirement plans

Comprehensive tuition remission

Flexible time-off policy

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Cincinnati is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in the High Energy Physics (HEP) group. The candidate will develop innovative machine learning techniques for particle physics. A Ph.D. focusing on high energy physics is required, along with a strong background in data analysis and research publication. The role offers a competitive salary and an opportunity to collaborate on advanced research projects, including potential international opportunities. Join a collaborative environment committed to professional development and mentorship.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics focusing on high energy physics required.
• Experience with research and data analysis in particle physics.
• Familiarity with academic publishing and grant writing.

Responsibilities

• Develop machine learning techniques in particle physics research.
• Contribute to event generator development and simulations.
• Prepare reports and publications on research findings.

Skills

Machine learning techniques

Data analysis

Mentoring

Research publication

Education

Ph.D. in Physics with focus on high energy physics

Tools

Pythia 8 event generator

Job description

Job Overview

The High Energy Physics (HEP) group in the Department of Physics at the University of Cincinnati seeks candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. The position will be preferentially based at Cincinnati, OH, with the possibility of longer stays at Fermilab, IL and/or CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

Essential Functions

• Under the direct supervision of faculty supervisor, develop novel techniques incorporating machine learning in particle physics event generators.
• Contribute to the development of machine-learning driven techniques in the Pythia 8 event generator, with a focus on hadronization phenomenology and the speed up of hadronization simulations in Pythia 8, as part of the Machine Learning for Hadronization (MLhad) collaboration effort.
• Gather and analyze data and develop new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, manuscripts and presentations of research results.
• Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentation; may assist in grant writing.
• Keep informed of developments in field to maintain and enhance professional expertise.
• May teach techniques to others, train, and mentor junior research staff.
• Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
• Play an active role in seeking career and research advice, both from the faculty supervisor and from other faculty members as well.

Minimum Requirements

Prior to the effective date of the appointment, a Ph.D. in Physics with a focus on high energy physics (HEP) phenomenology as evidenced by PhD thesis or a closely related field.

Required Education

Doctoral Degree in the appropriate field or discipline, or the recognized terminal degree.

Required Experience

• In-depth knowledge of specialized field, process or discipline.
• May require experience with specialized software programs.

Application Process

Candidates should apply through jobs.uc.edu. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter with no more than one page;
• A current curriculum vitae.
• A statement describing research interests (up to three pages).
• Applicants should arrange to have at least three letters of reference sent separately to Jure Zupan ([e-mail]).

The deadline to submit applications will be January 21, 2026. The initial term will be for three years, with a competitive salary. If funds are available, the term may be extended to a maximum of five years. Interested candidates should contact Philip Ilten, Stephen Mrenna, and Jure Zupan via e-mail: [e-mail], [e-mail] and [e-mail] for more information on the position.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Tuition Remission
• Robust Retirement Plans
• Real Work-Life Balance

Highlights include:

• Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information
• Comprehensive Tuition Remission: UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.
• Robust Retirement Plans: As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.
• Real Work-Life Balance: UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including: Vacation and sick time; 11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days); 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents.
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at https://www.uc.edu/careers.html.

UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.