Postdoctoral Associate

Position Summary

The experimental high-energy particle physics group at Rice University invites applications for at least two postdoctoral research associates to join our efforts on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, expected to begin after January 1, 2025. The Rice experimental high-energy particle physics group presently consists of three faculty members (Acosta, Ecklund, Padley), two postdoctoral research associates, and six graduate students. Additionally, a closely allied Heavy Ion experimental group includes two faculty members (Geurts, Li), research staff, and graduate students.

The Rice group on CMS has a strong background in physics analysis. We are presently active in searches for physics beyond the standard model and on measurements of Higgs boson production and properties. Rice contributes to the CMS endcap muon system and its trigger, and the inner tracker upgrade, with common interests in trigger electronics, data acquisition electronics, and related software. We also have an ongoing interest in applying machine learning techniques to the trigger and data analyses. For this position a successful candidate will be expected to take a leading role in the endcap muon system project or the related endcap muon system trigger.  The successful candidate will be expected to contribute physics analyses with the CMS detector. 

Working Conditions:

• This position can be based at CERN (the European organization for nuclear and particle research located near Geneva, Switzerland) or Rice University.
• Position requires occasional domestic travel for conferences.
• This position may be funded by a grant, soft and/or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of funding. 

Required Qualifications:

• Applicants with a Ph.D. (Ph.D. must be completed prior to position start date) in experimental particle physics, particle astrophysics, or closely related fields will be considered

Required Skills

• Mathematical skills
• Computational skills
• Ability to understand, process, and use scientific literature in physics
• Ability to write scientific papers and give oral research presentations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as oral presentation skills
• Organization and time management skills

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Experience with trigger systems at collider experiments

Essential Functions:

• Physics analyses with the CMS experiment, with emphasis on physics beyond the standard model searches or measurements of Higgs boson production and properties
• Detector responsibilities include support for the commissioning and operation of the CMS detectors or Level-1 trigger for the endcap muon system and their upgrades, or support for the CMS inner tracker upgrade
• Supervision of graduate students working in the same areas of research is expected
• Performs all other duties as assigned

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Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.