Postdoctoral Fellow

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.