Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Kansas
United States, Kansas, Lawrence
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard (Show on map)
Dec 06, 2024
Position Overview The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral researcher position in experimental high energy physics. Length of Appointment: The initial appointment would be for one year with the possibility of renewal annually for four subsequent years subject to review and to continued funding availability. General Duties: Research in Experimental High Energy Physics. The successful candidate would contribute to several aspects of the experimental high energy physics group's research program, including Higgs physics data analysis, and potentially including machine learning training and/or development, detector design, upgrade work, service work, development and operation, event simulation, potentially other CMS-related activities, and publication of research results. Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California and Delaware. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply. Applicants from California and Delaware may apply, but would not be able to reside in California or Delaware during their employment with KU. Job Description Conduct research in experimental high energy physics within the CMS collaboration, and potentially towards future colliders, under the supervision of Professor Elliot Reynolds. This entails participation in relevant facets of the overall research endeavor, potentially encompassing any aspect of the life-cycle of high energy physics experiments, including experimental design, feasibility studies, detector prototyping, detector R&D, detector construction, detector operation, data-taking support, detector calibration and alignment, detector modeling, detector simulation, physics event simulation, event reconstruction, data analysis, machine learning training and/or development, software development, publication preparation, proposal preparation, editorial work, presentation of results, outreach and career development. The successful candidate would be anticipated to take a leading role in Higgs physics data analysis. 40% - Higgs physics analysis using the CMS data. Development of new techniques applicable to physics analysis, potentially including machine learning-based methods. Documentation, presentation and publication of research results. 40% - Appropriate contributions to the group's current and/or future responsibilities in the CMS experiment. 10% - Potential contributions towards future colliders. 10% - Assist the faculty in guiding the group's graduate and undergraduate students. Position Requirements The Postdoctoral Researcher may be stationed at: CERN, in Geneva, Switzerland or at the University of Kansas in Lawrence , at 1082 Malott Hall, Lawrence, KS (or Hybrid with permission of the supervisor). Required Qualifications Evaluation of the required qualifications and preferred qualifications will be made through (1) records of accomplishments entered in CV, (2) description of research and education experience provided in the application materials, (3) references, (4) publications as appropriate, and (5) the interview process. A Ph.D. in physics by date of appointment At least one (1) year experience in experimental high energy physics or a related experimental field, either during their Ph.D. or afterwards, as demonstrated in application materials. NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD in hand. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6 months. Preferred Qualifications Experience in experimental techniques and software relevant to collider experiments. Experience and ability in particle physics data analysis. Experience and ability with particle detector design, upgrades/development and/or operation. Experience in the development and/or training of machine learning algorithms. Good communication skills. Additional Candidate Instructions In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position: Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae (including publications list, where relevant) Statement of Research Interests and Skills At least three letters of recommendation Application review begins, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified. Contact Information to Applicants Professor Elliot Reynolds (etjreynolds@ku.edu) Advertised Salary Range $55,000 - $70,000, commensurate with qualifications Work Schedule M-F; 8-5 Application Review Begins Wednesday January 15, 2025 Anticipated Start Date Monday February 3, 2025