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We're Hiring!

Postdoctoral Associate

  • 511359
  • Tennessee
  • Tennessee
  • 038400 - Physics & Astronomy
  • Professional
  • Time-Limited Full-Time 12-Month
  • Opening on: Oct 21 2026

Position Function:

The Medium Energy Physics group at Mississippi State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in experimental nuclear physics. This position will be stationed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Oak Ridge, TN.

Salary Grade:  UC

For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

November 16, 2026

Tenure Track Status:

N/A

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- Work on detector development and physics studies for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), with a primary focus on the ePIC Longitudinally Segmented Forward Hadronic Calorimeter (LFHCal) and the development of a dedicated LFHCal beam insert for the region surrounding the outgoing beam pipe.
- Lead MSU efforts in LFHCal detector simulation, calibration and analysis of prototype beam-test data, detector-response validation, reconstruction studies, and development of the LFHCal beam insert. The beam-insert effort will include studies of detector geometry in the constrained region around the beam pipe, active-area coverage, segmentation, mechanical and integration requirements, shower containment, energy response, and reconstruction of showers shared between the beam insert and neighboring LFHCal modules.
- Work closely with the ORNL LFHCal group and the broader ePIC Collaboration, including studies using GEANT4/DD4hep, comparisons of simulation with CERN beam-test data, and evaluation of calorimeter energy response, resolution, shower development, and reconstruction performance.
- Contribute to detector testing, QA/QC, instrumentation, prototype development, and technical documentation associated with LFHCal and beam-insert construction readiness.

Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. in experimental nuclear or particle physics, or a closely related field, is required, along with proficiency in programming and experimental data analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with ROOT, C++, Python, GEANT4, DD4hep, calorimetry, detector instrumentation, or machine-learning techniques is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of analysis and testing programs

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Work is performed in a lab setting.

Instructions for Applying:

Candidates must apply online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/ (JOB #: 511359 and include a curriculum vitae or resume and a brief statement describing research interests and relevant work experience. At least two reference letters should be sent electronically to Dr. Wenliang (Bill) Li (wl584@msstate.edu).
Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by October 20, 2026, will receive full consideration.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

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