Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
This position offers an excellent opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher interested in experimental nuclear physics machine learning and detector development. The successful candidate will contribute to the Iowa State University Experimental Nuclear Groups leading role in the sPHENIX collaboration at Brookhaven National Laboratory with a focus on heavy flavor and quarkonia physics. The initial emphasis will be on Foundation Model development using the sPHENIX silicon tracking system to improve collision data reconstruction as part of a collaborative Genesis Phase I project with Brookhaven National Laboratory and addition to advanced machine learning and detector development work the candidate will have opportunities to lead physics analyses develop innovative analysis techniques contribute to high-impact publications participate in international collaborations attend conferences and build an independent research profile in preparation for future career advancement.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
PhD in nuclear physics high-energy physics or closely related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in modern programming languages (e.g. C and/or Python);
• Experience analyzing large datasets;
• Experience with software-based machine learning including modern approaches such as foundation models and/or generative adversarial networks (GANs).

Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Iowa State University is a nationally recognized research department with strengths in nuclear physics high energy physics astrophysics condensed matter physics and materials science. The department fosters a collaborative research environment partnering closely with Ames National Laboratory and leading national research facilities while supporting faculty postdoctoral scholars and students in conducting innovative high-impact scientific research. Researchers benefit from access to world-class facilities interdisciplinary collaborations and opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in both theoretical and experimental physics.

Department Unit/Website:
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits including medical and dental as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when where and how you do your work. For more information please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process please email or call or Toll Free: 1-.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race color age ethnicity religion national origin pregnancy sexual orientation genetic information sex marital status disability or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity 2680 Beardshear Hall 515 Morrill Road Ames Iowa 50011 Tel. email .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.