Postdoctoral Research Associate

Texas Tech University

Department of Physics & Astronomy, High Energy Physics Group

Job Opportunity: Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role:

The High Energy Physics (HEP) group at Texas Tech University invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position to advance our leading-edge research at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Working under the mentorship of Professors N. Akchurin, Y. Feng, S-W. Lee, C. Madrid, and I. Volobouev, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the LHC in multiple capacities. Our group is actively working on analyzing CMS data, maintaining detector operations, developing upgrades for the high-luminosity LHC (HL-LHC), and conducting an extensive R&D program in advanced detector technology. These positions are initially funded for two years and are renewable based on performance and funding availability. They may be based at Texas Tech University, Fermilab, or CERN, with travel to and work at each location as required by project needs.

Core Responsibilities:

Prospective candidates will be expected to work on at least two of the following topics:

• CMS Data Analysis: Conduct and lead analyses aimed at searches for new physics (e.g., supersymmetry and dark sector) and electroweak gauge boson studies;
• HGCAL Construction and Commissioning: Take part in the assembly, installation, and commissioning of nearly 5,000 silicon sensor modules for the CMS high-granularity endcap calorimeter;
• Future Detector R&D: Engage in an ambitious research program incorporating fast high-density electronics, precision timing, and embedded AI/ML for the next generation of collider experiments;
• AI/ML and Heterogeneous Computing: Collaborate with computer science and industry partners to develop and optimize machine learning algorithms for reconstruction and data analyses, and heterogeneous computing approaches for HEP applications;
• Detector Operations: Contribute to the operational responsibilities within the CMS Collaboration, especially related to hadronic calorimeters (HCAL).

About Us:

The Texas Tech University HEP group is a vibrant research team recognized for its significant contributions to the CMS experiment. Our work has been fundamental in the development, construction, and commissioning of the CMS hadronic calorimeters over the last two decades. Now, we are spearheading major responsibilities for the HL-LHC upgrade, including the construction of HGCAL modules at our state-of-the-art Advanced Particle Detector Laboratory (APD-Lab).

In addition to our strong focus on the CMS experiment, we are deeply committed to detector R&D for future colliders, integrating novel electronics, AI/ML methods, and heterogeneous computing solutions. Our research environment benefits from the close collaboration with campus-wide resources such as the High Performance Computing Center (HPCC), as well as partnerships with industry and computer science experts.

How to Apply

Each applicant should submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (including a list of publications);
• Research Statement (outlining interests and relevant experience);
• Contact information for at least three references.

Applications must be submitted online at http://jobs.texastech.edu by selecting the Staff Positions for Texas Tech University option and then searching for the requisition ID 40048BR. For questions or additional information about the position or application process, please contact Nural Akchurin directly at Nural.Akchurin@ttu.edu.

Review of applications will start on March 7, 2025, and will continue until the positions are filled.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.