Postdoctoral Associate

CU Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

CU Boulder invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research in the experimental heavy ion group under Professors Jamie Nagle and Dennis Perepelitsa, focusing on AI/ML–driven analysis and physics studies.

Based in Boulder, CO, the position offers opportunities to lead AI/ML initiatives and collaborate on sPHENIX/ATLAS projects, with travel to Brookhaven or other sites as appropriate.

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental nuclear or particle physics, or a closely related field with AI/ML experience in physics.
• Experience leading experimental research and physics data analysis projects.
• Willingness to travel to Brookhaven National Laboratory or other sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI/ML centered efforts and physics data analysis within the research group.

Skills

AI/ML

Physics data analysis

Leadership

Education

PhD in experimental nuclear or particle physics

Tools

Python

ML frameworks (TensorFlow/PyTorch)

Job description

Requisition Number: 73572

Location: Boulder, Colorado

City: Boulder

State: Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full-Time

Date Posted: 24-Jul-2026

Job Summary

The experimental heavy ion group at the University of Colorado Boulder invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research under the direction of Professors Jamie Nagle and Dennis Perepelitsa. The group is involved in the sPHENIX and ATLAS experimental efforts and has an interest in the future ePIC experiment. The candidate is expected to lead artificial intelligence / machine learning centered efforts that also couple to physics analysis efforts.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The experimental heavy ion group at the University of Colorado Boulder has leading roles in the sPHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, and is a member of the ePIC experiment at the future Electron Ion Collider. The group is led by Professors Jamie Nagle and Dennis Perepelitsa. We place a strong emphasis on the scientific productivity and career development of junior group members.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• The post-doctoral researcher will be involved in leading experimental efforts within the research group, which may include artificial intelligence / machine learning centered efforts and physics data analysis.

What You Should Know

• The position may be based in Boulder or at Brookhaven National Laboratory or under special circumstances other locations depending on the particular role, with travel to other locations for experimental work or conferences/workshops as appropriate.

What We Can Offer

• Annual salary in the range of 55,000-70,000
• Moving reimbursement for up to $2,000. Payment contingent on actual expenses incurred.

Benefits

• At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees.
• Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans.
• We also offer generous paid time off.
• Tuition assistance for you and your dependents.
• An ECO Pass for local transit.
• As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation.
• Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Ph.D. in experimental nuclear or particle physics, or a PhD in a different discipline with relevant experience in artificial intelligence / machine learning with applications in physics.