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

The Experimental Nuclear Structure Group at the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral position in the experimental low-energy nuclear physics program. The successful candidate will lead the operations of the new sputtering source for triton beams at the John D. Fox Laboratory, FSU. The candidate will operate and maintain the sputtering source, lead the two-neutron transfer experimental campaign and analysis.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will join Associate Professor Miguel Madurga’s group and: Sustain daily operations at the multi-cathode sputtering source for UT and other laboratory users.

Actively participate in experimental campaigns at FSU utilizing the sputtering source.

Lead the two-neutron transfer reaction campaign on light lithium and beryllium isotopes.

Leverage modern analysis tools and machine learning to analyze the nuclear reaction data.

Collaborate with theorists at UTK and other institutions to interpret the nuclear reaction properties.

Collaborate with other group members and students to leverage their expertise in modern analysis techniques.

Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements.

Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics in scientific research.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications Education:

PhD in experimental nuclear physics or closely related (e.g. nuclear engineering). Completed by October 2026 Experience:

An excellent track record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer reviewed journals. Strong verbal and writing skills. Demonstrated 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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Proficiency with CERN’s ROOT analysis suite.

Other Conditions:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications Experience:

Research experience in one-nucleon transfer experiments.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Familiarity with machine learning coding hooks. Proficiency with nuclear reaction codes such as FRESCO or TALYS. Proficiency in Monte-Carlo radiation transport codes (MCNP, GEANT4)

Work Location Onsite at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida

Compensation and Benefits Anticipated hiring range:

60,000 – 68,000 Find more information on UT Benefits here Application Instructions For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before December 1, 2026: CV List of publications Two reference letters About The 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.

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 to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. 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!