Job Description

Position Title:

Postdoc Research Associate in Experimental Nuclear Physics

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

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.

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 employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

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. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu

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.