Postdoctoral Appointee - Medium Energy Physics

Argonne National Laboratory; Illinois; On-site; USD 71,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois seeks a PhD-level researcher for postdoctoral work in nuclear and particle physics. You will apply modern AI methods to detector data and drive MCP-PMT R&D, including device characterization and QA.

You will contribute to the ePIC Barrel Imaging Calorimeter, support Jefferson Lab program activities, and engage with PRad-II and X17 experiments planned for CY26. Collaboration with a small, dynamic team is expected.

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental nuclear or particle physics completed within last 0–5 years.
• Experience with AI methods for detector data in nuclear/HEP contexts.
• Hands-on PMT/SiPM/MCP-PMT bench characterization is a plus.
• Prior work on Jefferson Lab or RHIC experiments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• AI-ready data and analysis for the ePIC Barrel Imaging Calorimeter and our Jefferson Lab program
• Support for the PRad-II and X17 experiments scheduled to run in CY26
• Lead role in our MCP-PMT R&D program, with emphasis on device characterization and QA

Skills

AI methods in HEP

PMT experience

SiPM/MCP-PMT experience

Jefferson Lab/RHIC experience

Education

PhD in experimental nuclear or particle physics

Tools

PMTs

SiPMs

MCP-PMTs

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• AI-ready data and analysis for the ePIC Barrel Imaging Calorimeter and our Jefferson Lab program
• Support for the PRad-II and X17 experiments scheduled to run in CY26
• Lead role in our MCP-PMT R&D program, with emphasis on device characterization and QA

You may combine these focus areas with other ongoing projects in our group.

About Argonne and the MEP Group

Argonne National Laboratory, situated near Chicago, is a prominent multidisciplinary science and engineering research center. The Medium Energy Group in the Physics Division, comprises eight staff members, two engineers, and postdocs and students. Our program spans electron-scattering experiments at Jefferson Lab in Hall A, B, and C, including CLAS12 and SoLID. We have led SeaQuest and are involved in SpinQuest at Fermilab and the MUSE experiment at PSI. Our hardware program includes the ePIC Barrel Imaging Calorimeter, and instrumentation R&D such as a polarized lithium-ion source for EIC, superconducting nanowire particle detectors and pixelized MCP-PMTs.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in experimental nuclear or particle physics or a related field
• Match at least one of the following profiles:
• Experience with modern AI methods for nuclear physics or high-energy physics detector data; or
• Hands-on work with PMTs, SiPMs, or MCP-PMTs (test-beam or bench characterization experience is a plus); or
• Prior experience working on Jefferson Lab or RHIC experiments
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter describing research experience and fit for the role
• Contact information for three references to be sent to Kaitlin Raimondi at [e-mail]

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

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