Particle and Relativistic Heavy-Ion Physics - Postdoctoral Researcher

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Are you interested in joining some of the brightest talent in the world to strengthen the United States’ security? Come join Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where our employees apply their expertise to create solutions for BIG ideas that make our world a better place.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values individuals, talents, partnerships, ideas, experiences, and different perspectives, recognizing their importance to the continued success of the Laboratory’s mission.

Pay 

$118,884 Annually

Job Description

We're looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to conduct research in particle and heavy-ion physics. The group participates in the ATLAS, sPHENIX and ePIC experiments. You will support LLNL’s activities on sPHENIX, including commissioning, calibration and data analysis, and contributing to projects applying machine learning at the LHC. This position is in the Particle Physics group of the Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division.

You will

• Formulate research proposals for external and internal sponsors.
• Contribute to the operation and data taking with sPHENIX.
• Assist in the development of new experimental capabilities for sPHENIX.
• Perform physics analysis of sPHENIX data.
• Contribute to ongoing projects applying machine learning methods to the LHC.
• Interact with the data scientists at the Laboratory to further the application of AI and ML techniques to nuclear and particle physics.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results and external conferences, seminars, and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to access the Laboratory in compliance with Section 3112 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  See Additional Information section below for details.
• Ph.D. in Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics or related field.
• Interest in applying machine learning methods to particle and nuclear physics.
• Demonstrated record of outstanding research in particle or heavy-ion physics or a related field.
• Proficiency in particle and/or relativistic heavy-ion physics including familiarity with major physical phenomena and fluency in modern experimental techniques.
• Experience with complex data analysis and high-performance computing.
• Experience with the operation and data taking of collider experiments.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment and present and explain technical information.
• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature with experience presenting research results to a large audience.

Qualifications We Desire

• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as Tensorflow or Pytorch.
• Extensive software development skills in C++ and/or python.
• Familiarity with simulation and analysis tools such as ROOT, GEANT and Monte Carlo event generators.
• Proficiency with statistical analysis including parameter inference and uncertainty quantification.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

#PT

Position Information

This is a Postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of extension to a maximum of three years, open to those who have been awarded a PhD at time of hire date.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our core beliefs - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

None required.  However, if your assignment is longer than 179 days cumulatively within a calendar year, you must go through the Personal Identity Verification process.  This process includes completing an online background investigation form and receiving approval of the background check.  (This process does not apply to foreign nationals.) 

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

The 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 3112, generally prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea without dual US citizenship or legal permanent residence from accessing specific non-public areas of national security or nuclear weapons facilities.  The restrictions of NDAA Section 3112 apply to this po