Postdoctoral Scholar, Physics

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Atlantic Mine (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Physics department to lead and support cloud chamber experiments in collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory. The role includes operating instrumentation, analyzing data, and disseminating results through papers and talks.

The candidate will work with aerosol-generation systems, cloud droplet probes, and AI/ML tools, with opportunities to contribute to ongoing research and educational activities.

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory studies.
• Proficiency with operating research-grade laboratory instrumentation.
• Hands-on experience in laboratory cloud chamber research.
• Experience in instrument development suitable for laboratory research.
• Familiarity with AI/ML tools as they relate to experimental control and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support chamber experiments and operate instrumentation for cloud chamber projects.
• Conduct experiments and collect data.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research at national and international conferences and meetings.
• Collaborate with Brookhaven National Laboratory and MTU cloud chamber group members and visiting scientists.
• Commit to continuous improvement and apply it to daily work; participate in university initiatives.
• Apply safety-related knowledge and practices to everyday work.

Skills

Laboratory studies

Lab instrumentation

Cloud chamber research

Instrument development

AI/ML for experiments

Scientific writing

Collaborative research

Education

PhD in atmospheric science/physics/engineering or related field

Tools

Research-grade instrumentation

Job description

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological researchuniversity founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus issituated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic UpperPeninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the bestuniversities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’sflagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Researchfocus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive,environment, and aerospace.

The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-roundrecreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, andpaddling. The University is an integral part of the region,supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride inbeing a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense ofadventure, and originality.

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholarfor our Physics department. The position is part of a collaborationwith Brookhaven National Laboratory, to develop next-generationcloud chamber technology for exploring aerosol-cloud-precipitationinteractions. The postdoc will lead and support cloud chamberexperiments, operate a range of instrumentation, and work closelywith aerosol-generation systems and cloud droplet probes. Responsibilities also include data analysis and dissemination ofresults through presentations at professional society meetings andpublications in peer reviewed journals. Familiarity with labexperiments, optics, AI/ML tools, especially embodied AI, isconsidered a plus.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. 1. Lead and support chamber experiments and operate a range ofinstrumentation in support of cloud chamber experiments
2. 2. Conduct experiments
3. 3. Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewedjournals
4. 4. Attend and/or present research at national and internationalconferences and meetings
5. 5. Collaborate with BNL scientists and the MTU cloud chamber groupmembers and visiting scientists
6. 6. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies andapplying them to everyday work. Actively engage in Universitycontinuous improvement initiatives.
7. 7. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices toeveryday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Ph.D. in atmospheric science, physics, engineering or relatedfield.

Required Experience

• Experience in Laboratory studies.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Proficiency with operating research-grade laboratoryinstrumentation
• Hands-on experience in laboratory cloud chamber research
• Experience in instrument development suitable for laboratoryresearch
• Familiarity with AI/ML tools as they relate to experimentalcontrol (i.e., embodied AI) and data analysis.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Ability to work in a laboratory
• Ability to troubleshoot, upgrade, and, if necessary, repair,research-grade instruments
• Ability to conduct independent research as well as work in acollaborative research environment
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills, withthe ability to effectively convey complex concepts in a clear andconcise manner
• Evidence of published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals as anauthor
• Evidence of presented research at national andinternational conferences/meetings

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to,working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds andviewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics describedhere are representative of those an employee encounters whileperforming the essential functions of this job. Reasonableaccommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilitiesto perform the essential functions. The noise level in the workenvironment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receivethe following 4 required trainings; additional training may berequired by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not consideredfinalized until the required background check has been performedand the results received and assessed.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

-

Pay Rate/Salary

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000. However,thefinal salary will depend on experience andqualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Professor

Posting Type

Internal & External

Dependent on Funding

Yes

Additional Information

The position is based at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

This position is contingent upon the continued availability ofexternal funding.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuringtheir eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen ornational of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, aforeign national authorized to work in the United States withoutthe need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effectivedate of your appointment, and maintain eligibility withoutsponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal OpportunityEducational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that providesequal opportunity for all, including protected veterans andindividuals with disabilities.

The AnnualSecurity and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safetyand disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policiesand fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. MichiganTech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact theMichigan Tech Public Safety.

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools andCommunities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFRPart 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfreecampus environment and actively promoting the health and safety ofits community. Find ournotice that outlines the University's policies, legalsanctions, health risks, and available support resources related tothe unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs andalcohol.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimumrequirements)

Advertised:31 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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