Postdoctoral Research Associate- LEGEND

Requisition

PDAA

Overview:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate who will focus on the LEGEND program's search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of Ge-76. This position resides in the Neutrino Research Group in the Fundemental Nuclear & Particle Physics Section, Physics Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will play an active role in the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of Ge-76 with the LEGEND-200 experiment, currently operating at LNGS, help lead the R&D, design, and implementation of the LEGEND-1000 experiment, and pursue R&D that extends the physics potential of low-background, rare-event searches.

The successful candidate will work closely with a range of students, other postdoctoral fellows, scientific and engineering staff, visiting scholars, as well as a large network of international collaborators. Networking opportunities extend to the group's broad research program in low-energy neutrino interactions at the SNS and HFIR, as well as research programs in fundamental symmetries and nuclear physics within the ORNL Physics Division.

Further, ORNL supports an active postdoctoral program, which provides research support, professional development, and social activities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

* Assume a leading role in one or more of the group's contributions to the LEGEND program:

* Contribute to the LEGEND-200 data analysis and the development of advanced analysis routines

* Contribute to the R&D on advanced instrumentation, design, and simulations of the next generation LEGEND-1000 experiment.

* Develop new low-background materials, scintilla tors, and production techniques, including custom synthesis of PEN and clean additive manufacturing processes

* Integrate AI/ML into experimental design, data analysis, and detector performance evaluation workflows

* Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

* A Ph.D. in experimental nuclear physics, particle physics, or a closely related field completed within the last 5 years

Preferred Qualifications:

* Hardware and/or data analysis/simulations experience relevant to rare event searches

* Demonstrated experience with low-background detectors, cryogenic liquid scintilla tors, plastic scintilla tors, additive manufacturing, and/or Ge detector technology

* Advanced computer programming experience, including parallel computing frameworks, C/C++, Julia and/or python

* Experience with training AI surrogate and/or inverse models

* Experience working in underground laboratories and/or clean rooms

* Excellent written and oral communication skills.

* Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to actively engage with international collaborators.

Special Requirements :

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk…