About this position
- The dark matter direct detection group at the University of Texas at
- Austin is seeking exceptional candidates for the role of Postdoctoral
- Fellow. The chosen candidate will primarily work on the LUX-ZEPLIN
- (LZ) dark matter experiment, splitting their time between offline
- computing work and data analysis, with a focus on AI/ML techniques.
- The group, led by Professor Scott Kravitz, focuses on novel methods to
- improve the sensitivity and scope of dark matter direct detection
- experiments. Modeling and data analysis for the world-leading LZ
- experiment is a key area of expertise. Current work includes
- characterization and removal of rare backgrounds, dark matter searches
- near threshold, and application of machine learning methods for
- improved sensitivity. Secondarily, our group is working to develop new
- particle detector technologies, in particular through the use of
- crystal xenon as an exceptionally low-background and highly scalable
- medium. More details are available at out group’s research website:
- https://kravitz-lab.ph.utexas.edu/.
Expected responsibilities include:
- Maintaining the ongoing LZ data processing pipeline at NERSC
- Contributing to other parts of LZ data production including simulations and reprocessing of raw data
- Contributing to the integration of AI/ML workflows into data production pipelines as they emerge from LZ analysis working groups
- Leadership in data analysis using AI/ML methods for the LZ dark matter experiment
- Effectively sharing research findings and expertise, through conferences (including occasional travel), publications, and mentorship both within the group and in the field of dark matter detection
Required qualifications:
- Ph.D. in experimental particle physics or a related field within the past 4 years (or expected soon after position starts)
Desired qualifications:
- Familiarity with HPC job submission, working with container environments and/or working with
databases
- Proficiency with data analysis in Python, C++, ROOT
- Highly effective communication skills
- Experience with and desire to perform work in a collaborative environment
Application materials:
- CV
- Publication list (highlighting or only including those for which the applicant was a lead author)
- A statement of past research experiences and future interests, not to exceed three pages
- Three letters of recommendation (to be submitted online by the reference writers at this site)
- Applications will be considered until the position is filled. For full
- consideration, applicants are encouraged to submit materials no later
- than November 15, 2026. The start date is negotiable, with candidates
- ideally starting in the first quarter of 2027. Salary and benefits
- will be competitive and commensurate with experience and
- qualifications.
- The term of appointment is two years initially, with the option for
- continued yearly renewal after that, not to exceed Five years past the
- date of Ph.D. conferral.
- The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative
- action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws
- regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is
- committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does
- not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age,
- marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender
- expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment,
- educational programs and activities, and admissions.
How to apply
- Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
- Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
- Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.