Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Physics and Astronomy

University of Tennessee College of Arts & Sciences

. Sustain daily operations at the multi-cathode sputtering source for UT and other laboratory users .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeTallahassee • Florida • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $60,000 - $68,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in experimental nuclear physics, including proficiency in nuclear reaction experiments and analysis, while effectively collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Strong analytical skills utilizing modern analysis tools and machine learning for data interpretation and compliance with safety and quality standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Experimental Nuclear PhysicsNuclear Reaction ExperimentsCERN’s ROOT Analysis SuiteMachine Learning Coding HooksMonte-Carlo Radiation Transport Codes

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Nuclear Reaction AnalysisIon Source OperationsResearch PublicationData AnalysisExperimental Collaboration

Soft Skills

Strong Verbal SkillsStrong Writing SkillsIndependent WorkCollaborative Teamwork

Tools & Technologies

FRESCOTALYSMCNPGEANT4

Industry Keywords

Nuclear PhysicsSafety ComplianceQuality Program RequirementsEthics In Scientific Research

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Sustain daily operations at the multi-cathode sputtering source for UT and other laboratory users
Actively participate in experimental campaigns at Florida State University utilizing the sputtering source
Lead the two-neutron transfer reaction campaign on light lithium and beryllium isotopes
Use modern analysis tools and machine learning to analyze nuclear reaction data
Collaborate with theorists at UT Knoxville and other institutions to interpret nuclear reaction properties
Collaborate with group members and students to leverage modern analysis techniques
Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
Uphold values and ethics in scientific research

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD in experimental nuclear physics or closely related field (e.g. nuclear engineering), completed by October 2026
Excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals
Strong verbal and writing skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members, including experimental collaborators
Familiarity with nuclear reaction experiments and analysis
Familiarity with operations of ion sources
Proficiency with CERN’s ROOT analysis suite
Legally authorized to work full-time in the United States without current or future sponsorship for employment-based visa status
Preferred: research experience in one-nucleon transfer experiments
Preferred: familiarity with machine learning coding hooks
Preferred: proficiency with nuclear reaction codes such as FRESCO or TALYS
Preferred: proficiency in Monte-Carlo radiation transport codes such as MCNP or GEANT4

Benefits

Comp & perks

Career development and coaching
Continued education
Development and training opportunities
Work-life balance