Open position: Postdoctoral Associate

Postdoctoral Associate/Senior Research Associate position with the EXCLAIM collaboration

We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral research associate position. The successful candidate will work with the EXCLAIM collaboration, including scientists from UVA, ODU, MSU, NMSU, Tufts, and other universities, who are active in theory, lattice QCD, data science. Our goal is developing together new techniques with AI/ML for novel studies of the nucleon’s multidimensional partonic structure.

The successful candidate is expected to work closely with our collaborators in EXCLAIM, including other postdocs and students. The work includes developing event generators and analysis techniques, fits, handling databases, and performing impact studies. The nature of the work makes this position suitable for candidates with an experimental or a theoretical background with an interest in phenomenology. Experience with software, computing techniques and good communication skills in English are required. Experience with AI/ML would be a plus.

The initial appointment is for one year, with possible extension contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory performance. Review of applications will start March 25th and the position will remain open until filled. Applications already received last fall, or received by the end of March will receive full consideration. The expected start date is spring or summer 2024.

Required Qualifications:

All candidates must have a PhD in Experimental or Theoretical Particle or Nuclear Physics, or a closely related field by the appointment start date.
A good level of understanding and communicating in English.
A good record of past research articles, presentations at conferences, experimental notes and/or contributions to peer reviewed papers, in accordance with the level of the candidate.
Knowledge of Linux environment and coding in C/C++/Fortran or a similar language, experience with software.
Ability to work independently for extended hours.
Ability to communicate and to collaborate with other members of the group and of the collaboration.
Ability to present results in conferences and collaboration meetings.

Additional requirements for Postdoctoral Associate applicants:

Must have earned their PhD for no longer than 5 years.
Demonstrate ability to understand and solve scientific problems.

Additional requirements for Senior Research Associate applicants:

Must have a PhD in Particle Physics, Experimental Nuclear Physics, Hadronic Physics or a closely related field and at least 4 years of prior postdoctoral experience in Particle, Nuclear or Hadronic Experimental Physics.
Demonstrate ability to understand physics problems and to develop independent research.
Demonstrate ability to collaborate and/or develop collaborations with other scientist and to work with junior and senior colleagues.
Demonstrate ability to present their work at international conferences and to publish articles.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with data analysis and/or with running experimental simulations and/or developing event generators OR Experience in phenomenology or modeling of GPDs or other structure functions OR Experience with AI/ML computing techniques.

How to apply:

For full consideration, applicants should send to Prof. Marie Boër (mboer@vt.edu): a CV, a list of publications and oral communications, a cover letter including their past experiences, motivations and plans, and state when they possibly would be available for this position. Applicants should arrange to have 3 letters of recommendation to be sent directly by email to Prof. Marie Boër. The subject of the email should contain "Postdoctoral Applicant" and the name of the applicant. All material must also be uploaded on the university website. If you already did so, no need to send an email. Applications received prior to end of March 2024 will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.