Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics
Listed on 2026-08-02
-
Research/Development
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Research Scientist
Position Title
:
Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics
Appointment Type
:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description
:
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 Group's 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 MIT.
In 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.
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in nuclear physics, high-energy physics, or closely related field
- 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
- 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
- Work Flex options for some positions
Work Flex
: if required, offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
Proposed Start Date
:
September 15, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year
: 12
Month Work Period Time Type
:
Full time
Pay Grade
:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date
:
July 28, 2026
Posting Close Date
:
August 17, 2026
Job Requisition Number
: R19675
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 eooffice.
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. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub.
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds.
Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community.
Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant…
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