Postdoctoral Research Associate – Neutrinos and Advanced Detectors Group

Purpose

We are seeking two Postdoctoral Research Associates whose research will focus on neutrino physics experiments and data

analysis. These positions reside in the Neutrino and Advanced Detectors in the Physics Division, Physical Sciences

Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

OVERVIEW:

The Neutrino and Advanced Detector Group at ORNL conducts forefront research on understanding fundamental properties

of neutrinos. Our group is seeking recent Ph.D. graduates to join the team as post-doctoral research associates to work at

the intersection of fundamental nuclear/particle physics and applications. The candidates will work in a multidisciplinary

environment focusing on the search for neutrinoless double-beta decay in 76Ge (LEGEND) and/or precision measurements

of the antineutrino spectra from a reactor with PROSPECT. There will also be opportunities to expand the candidate’s

scientific skillset through participation in other new fundamental physics research (e.g. COHERENT) and applied radiation

detection programs. The candidates will make significant contributions to data-taking, physics analysis, simulations, and the

general software framework for the experiments, as well as guiding graduate and undergraduate students working on the

experiments.

Home to some of the world’s premier scientific facilities, ORNL is a great place to chart your own research course, work with

eminent

colleagues, and build an extraordinary career. Our group is carrying a broad research program in nuclear, particle, and

astrophysics with emphasis on weak interactions and fundamental interactions. The research program of the Physics Division

includes studies of neutrino oscillation and neutrino properties and the search for neutrinoless double beta decay.

As DOE’s largest multiprogram science and energy laboratory, ORNL is engaged in a wide range of activities. Using ORNL’s

unique facilities—from the Spallation Neutron Source to Summit, the world’s fastest supercomputer—these scientists keep

our laboratory at the forefront of the world’s leading scientific research centers. Our group as part of Oak Ridge National

Laboratory provides substantial technical and scientific resources related to our activities.

This position provides the opportunity to work closely with a strong group of graduate and undergraduate students, other

postdoctoral fellows, our scientific and engineering staff. Knoxville area small town culture with metropolitan amenities. East

Tennessee offers plenty of wonderful resources and experiences—mountains, rivers, lakes, a full menu of outdoor

adventures, championship college teams and the cultural offerings of Knoxville, a city recognized as one of the country’s best

places to live! ORNL is within a day’s drive of 75% of the nation’s population and all of the East Coast’s major cities.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform neutrino physics experiments and associated data analysis

• Investigate new detection schemes for the next generation of neutrino experiments

• Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity

• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students

• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner

• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements

• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Qualifications Required

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• A PhD in nuclear physics or high energy physics

• Must complete all degree requirements before starting appointment and be within five years of receiving their degree

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An excellent record of productive and creative research as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific

audience

• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently

interacting teams of researchers

• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and

adapt to ever changing needs

• Expertise in high-performance computing

• Experience in writing data analysis codes

• Experience supervising graduate and undergraduate students

• Experience in radiation detection

• Experience in digital data acquisition systems

• Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative team environment