Job Details

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK

Position Number: 6184924
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Science - Physics

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 2778
Job Category: Research
Posting Date: 04/29/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1414 Circle Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (On-site)

Job Description
The Fundamental Neutron Physics group at the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position in experimental nuclear physics. The successful candidate will have a prominent role in the group's efforts in their neutron beta decay efforts at the Spallation Neutron Source at ORNL. The candidate must have a PhD (or satisfied all substantive requirements for a PhD) in nuclear physics and demonstrable experience with experiments at a major user facility. The successful candidate will be heavily involved in the polarimetry campaign for the Nab beta decay experiment, which is UT's area of responsibility. This work will include design and construction of a large area, low efficiency neutron detector, a new adiabatic spin flipper and performing a series of characterization measurements and systematic tests on SNS BL13 as well as the CG4B test beamline at HFIR. The successful candidate will be expected to also contribute to other group activities at SNS, and assist with supervision of graduate and undergraduate students.

The appointment will be initially for one year, with possible renewal for two additional years upon mutual agreement and availability of funds.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will take a leading role in Nab beta decay experiment at the Spallation Neutron Source. The UT group has special responsibilities for a number of subsystems and measurement campaigns and the successful candidate will be expected to coordinate some fraction of those efforts. This will include interfacing with collaborators at other institutions and staff scientists at ORNL. The work will consist of design and construction of apparatus, taking data with neutrons, analysis said data and presenting it to the collaboration and the community at large at scientific conferences. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

Education: PhD in physics by May 2025
Experience: Working in large experimental collaborations, data analysis of large data sets.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Experience with polarizing 3He cells and analysis with modern tools.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Working at a large user facility
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: python, root/C++, Labview, Class IV laser operation, laser optics alignment.

Work Location

Oak Ridge, TN and Knoxville, TN

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range:

Anticipated hiring range: $60K - $65K (depending on postdoctoral experience)
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before May 15, 2025

CV
3 letters of recommendation
List of conference presentations and publications

About The Physics and Astronomy Department

The Department has an exemplary research record, with eight professors earning NSF CAREER awards since 2012, eight professors among the world's top two percent of physicists based on citation count, the award of the prestigious American Physical Society 2021 Bonner Prize, eleven APS Fellows, and four AAAS Fellows. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Tennessee's flagship state research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates and a premier graduate institution with a number of nationally and internationally ranked programs and with national and international leadership in numerous fields.

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/2778/?mode=location