Research Associate in Physics

Go VCE; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Virginia invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate to work on nuclear and particle physics experiments and instrumentation development. The role centers on leading the MOLLER experiment activities at Jefferson Lab, including GEM tracker installation and GEM-based TRD development for Glue-X, with opportunities to mentor students.

The candidate will contribute to detector development and data acquisition systems, coordinating staging, running, and data analysis,

Qualifications

• PhD in experimental nuclear physics, experimental high energy physics, or related field by start date.
• Experience with detector development and data acquisition systems preferred.
• Ability to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Lead staging, running, and data analysis of the MOLLER experiment at Jefferson Lab.
• Install and commission GEM tracker for the MOLLER experiment.
• Construct, install, and operate GEM-based TRD detectors in Glue-X at Jefferson Lab Hall D.
• Contribute to GEM detector R&D activities.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in these projects.

Skills

Detector development

Data acquisition systems

Mentoring/teaching

Education

PhD in experimental nuclear physics or experimental high energy physics

Tools

GEM tracker

TRD detectors

Jefferson Lab instrumentation

Job description

The Department of Physics at the University of Virginia is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to work in nuclear and particle physics experiments, as well as instrumentation research and development for future experiments.

The successful candidate is expected to play a leading role in the staging, running, and data analysis of the MOLLER experiment at Jefferson Lab. The main activities will include the installation and commissioning of the Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) tracker for the MOLLER experiment. Furthermore, the candidate will participate in the construction, installation and operation of GEM based Transition Radiation Detectors (TRD) in the Glue-X experiment in Jefferson lab Hall D. In addition, the selected candidate will contribute to research and development activities related to GEM detectors. Responsibilities will also include mentoring graduate and undergraduate students engaged in these projects.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A PhD in experimental nuclear physics, experimental high energy physics, or related field by the start date. Experience with detector development and data acquisition systems is preferred.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin on September 5, 2026, but the position will remain open until filled. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for one additional one-year term, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance.

The anticipated hiring range is $65,000-$72,000, commensurate with experience.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Nilanga Liyanage at [e-mail] .

Questions regarding the application should be directed to: Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at [e-mail]

A competitive salary and benefits package is offered at UVA. For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit https://postdoc.virginia.edu and http://hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .