Postdoctoral Researcher position in the ATLAS Experiment

University of California - Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Irvine invites applications for a postdoctoral research position to work on the ATLAS experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The role may be based at CERN or UC Irvine and involves developing machine learning tools for particle physics, with independence to pursue personal research directions.

Ideal candidates will hold a Ph.D. in particle physics, have at least two years of involvement in a major international experiment, and show creativity with ML

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in particle physics or near completion.
• 2+ years of active participation in a leading international particle physics experiment.
• Strong independence and creativity; publications in ML related papers outside LHC collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Work on the ATLAS experiment at CERN/LHC, contributing to searches for new physics.
• Develop and apply machine learning tools for particle physics analyses.
• Position based at CERN or UC Irvine starting late 2026 or early 2027.

Skills

Machine learning in physics

Education

Ph.D. in particle physics

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: $69,073 - $82,836

Application Window

Open date: September 4, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Oct 4, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Application instructions: Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Mar 31, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The experimental particle physics group at the University of California, Irvine invites applications for a postdoctoral research position to work on the ATLAS experiment at the CERN Large Hadron Collider, starting late 2026 or early 2027. The position can be based at CERN or at UC Irvine.

The researcher will work primarily with Prof. Daniel Whiteson, and will contribute to searches for beyond-the-standard model particles and forces, as well as development and applications of machine learning tools for particle physics more broadly. The researcher will have a wide latitude to pursue their own research agenda.

The ATLAS group at UCI consists of Profs Daniel Whiteson, Andre Frankenthal, Anyes Taffard and Andrew Lankford, and enjoys a close and fruitful relationship with the UCI theory and phenomenology group, as well as local experts in machine learning at the UCI Center for Machine Learning.

The applicant should have, or be about to gain, a Ph.D. in particle physics, and is expected to have experience from at least two years of active participation in a leading international particle physics experiment. The strongest applicants will have a record of independence and creativity and have published machine-learning related papers outside of the LHC collaborations.

Informal inquiries can be directed to Prof. Whiteson at [e-mail].

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

The applicant should have, or be about to gain, a Ph.D. in particle physics, and is expected to have experience from at least two years of active participation in a leading international particle physics experiment.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Aff ... 035: ...

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Irvine, CA