Postdoctoral Researcher

About the role

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Kansas seeks to fill a postdoctoral researcher position in experimental high energy physics.

Responsibilities

• Research in Experimental High Energy Physics, contributing to the group's research program including Higgs physics data analysis, machine learning training and/or development, detector design, upgrade work, service work, development and operation, event simulation, other CMS-related activities, and publication of research results.
• Conduct research in experimental high energy physics within the CMS collaboration, and potentially towards future colliders, under the supervision of Professor Elliot Reynolds, participating in relevant facets of the overall research endeavor and the life‑cycle of high energy physics experiments.
• 40% – Higgs physics analysis using CMS data: take a leading role in Higgs physics data analysis (e.g., off‑shell Higgs boson production), including development of new analysis techniques, data processing/reduction, machine learning training and/or development, physics event simulation, event reconstruction and/or selection design, signal and background modeling, estimation of systematic uncertainties, statistical inference, and documentation, presentation, and publication of results.
• 40% – Appropriate contributions to the group's current and/or future responsibilities in the CMS experiment, likely focusing on experimental physics object performance work (e.g., jets and missing transverse momentum), with other areas of mutual interest possible.
• 10% – Potential contributions towards future colliders: experimental design efforts, feasibility studies, prospective analysis work, detector prototyping, and detector R&D.
• 10% – Assist faculty in guiding graduate and undergraduate students: co‑analyzing CMS data, reviewing student work, providing physics and technical support, reviewing draft documents, providing guidance and mentorship, and contributing to group and analysis meetings.

Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in physics by date of appointment.
• At least 1 year of experience in experimental high energy physics or a related experimental field, either during the Ph.D. or afterwards.
• To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent, the Ph.D. must be in hand.
• Appointments made without a certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an Acting basis not to exceed 6 months.
• Appointment duration will be extended upon final verification of the degree.
• This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties.
• The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring the university remains competitive with industry‑aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market‑driven expectations.

Skills

• Experience and ability in experimental techniques and software relevant to collider experiments.
• Experience and ability in particle physics data analysis.
• Experience and ability in experimental physics object performance work.
• Experience and ability with particle detector design, upgrades/development and/or operation.
• Experience and ability in the development, training and/or implementation of machine learning algorithms.
• Good communication skills.

Pay

Advertised Salary Range Starting at $58,656.

Schedule

Starting Date: December 15, 2026, or as soon thereafter as the position can be filled (also negotiable). Length of Appointment: The initial appointment would be for at least one year with the possibility of renewal annually subject to review and to continued funding availability, and would not be more than five years in total.