Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics | Iowa State University, USA

ALICE Collaboration; Iowa City, Cedar Rapids (IA, IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

ALICE Collaboration at Iowa State University seeks a postdoctoral researcher in experimental nuclear physics, machine learning, and detector development. The position aligns with the group’s work on sPHENIX collaboration at Brookhaven, with emphasis on Foundation Model development to improve collision data reconstruction.

Candidates will lead analyses, develop new techniques, and contribute to high-impact publications while engaging with international teams.

Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear physics or closely related field is required.
• Proficiency in C++ and Python.
• Experience analyzing large datasets.
• Experience with software-based machine learning including foundation models or GANs.

Responsibilities

• Lead physics analyses and develop innovative analysis techniques.
• Contribute to detector development and data reconstruction.
• Publish high-impact results and participate in international collaborations.

Skills

C++

Python

Large datasets

Machine learning

Foundation models

GANs

Education

PhD in nuclear physics or high-energy physics

Job description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities

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.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in nuclear physics, high-energy physics, or closely related field

Preferred Qualifications

• 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).

Department/Program & College Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Iowa State University is a nationally recognized research department with strengths in nuclear physics, high energy physics, astrophysics, condensed matter physics, and materials science. The department fosters a collaborative research environment, partnering closely with Ames National Laboratory and leading national research facilities, while supporting faculty, postdoctoral scholars, and students in conducting innovative, high-impact scientific research. Researchers benefit from access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in both theoretical and experimental physics.

Department Unit/Website

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Contact Information

• ALICE Secretariat


• CERN


• Building 301/R-029


• CH 1211 Geneva 23


• Switzerland


• [e-mail]


• Tel : [phone]


• ALICE at CERN Courier


• ALICE Matters


• LHCC committees and meetings


• ALICE Electronic Logbook


• ALICE GLANCE


• ALICE Meetings
  
  
  
  • 2026 (pdf)
  
  
  • 2027 (pdf)