Post Doc Research Associate

Job Summary

Core responsibilities and research directions

• Applied nuclear physics and spectroscopy, focusing on the analysis of data from photon spectrometer detectors recording nuclear collisions.
• Development and application of machine-learning and AI techniques to identify weak, rare, or previously unknown nuclear transitions in complex spectral data.
• Advanced computational and data-science methods, including modern ML/AI workflows for pattern recognition, clustering, anomaly detection, and inference in large and noisy datasets.
• Exploratory work in quantum algorithms and quantum annealing for physics-driven optimization problems.
• Leveraging Purdue’s infrastructure for detector development, operating a center of excellence for composite manufacturing and simulation for detector mechanics and cooling, as well as in-house facilities for the design, development, and construction of silicon detectors.
• Optional opportunity to contribute to research within the CMS experiment at CERN, particularly where expertise in ML/AI, data analysis, or detector-related topics can synergize with ongoing efforts.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in experimental particle physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, engineering, computer science, or a closely related field (by start date)
• Strong background in data analysis, computing, and scientific programming
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
• Experience with machine learning / AI is highly desirable
• Prior exposure to nuclear physics data, detector systems, or scientific instrumentation is an advantage but not required
• Interest in interdisciplinary research spanning physics, computation, and advanced instrumentation

Appointment & Environment

• Initial appointment for one year, renewable subject to performance and funding
• Competitive salary and full benefits
• Access to extensive computational, laboratory, and detector-development resources
• A collaborative research environment with strong ties to national laboratories, international experiments, and interdisciplinary AI initiatives at Purdue

Application Process

• The position is available starting immediately and applications will be considered until the position is filled.
• The appointment is initially for one year and renewable annually, subject to mutual satisfaction.
• The position will be based in West Lafayette, IN, although travel to other locations is expected for a number of short trips per year and/or extended periods of time.

Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a description of research interests (2 pages), and three letters of recommendation. Complete applications will be considered immediately. Please apply to this link.

For information about the position, please contact Prof. Andreas Jung (anjung@purdue.edu).