"Nuclear Physics Postdoctoral Research Fellow"

Job Description

Nuclear Physics Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Posting Number: F-1010
College/Unit: College of Science and Engineering
Home Department: Department of Physics
Employee Group: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Employment Status: Full-Time
Position Type: 12 month
Position Classification: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Position Begin Date: 01/06/2026
Position End Date: 07/05/2026

Position Summary:

The Nuclear Physics and Fundamental Symmetries group in the Department of Physics at Central Michigan University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position with expertise in experimental nuclear physics, beginning after January 1, 2026. The CMU group performs research in low-energy nuclear physics to address questions in nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure and reactions, and in fundamental symmetries. The group leads experimental research programs at various particle accelerator laboratories, focusing on unstable beam experiments at the nearby Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Activities carried out locally at CMU include the development and characterization of radiation and ion beam tracking detectors and precision mass measurements with the CHIP-TRAP Penning trap.

The selected candidate will be focused on the program of precision mass measurements at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams that Profs. Alfredo Estrade and Matthew Redshaw lead. These measurements have applications to nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and fundamental symmetries and include time-of-flight mass measurements with the S800 spectrometer, and Penning trap measurements with the LEBIT facility. The measurements aim to provide data for heavy-element nucleosynthesis processes and nuclear processes in neutron stars, and for applications to fundamental symmetries.

As a postdoctoral researcher you will be expected to take a leading role in planning and running experiments at FRIB. You can also be involved in projects to develop nuclear physics instrumentation, such as ion beam tracking detectors and instrumentation for ion traps. You will have the opportunity to supervise CMU graduate students, and you will be mentored and encouraged to develop your own ideas for experiments at accelerator laboratories.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in nuclear physics or related field completed within the last 6 years. ABD candidates will be considered, provided the degree is conferred by the start date of the appointment.
• Demonstrated experience with nuclear physics techniques and data analysis.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
• Strong interest in advancing the knowledge in nuclear physics and astrophysics topics of current research.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ion beam optics and simulations of ion beam transport.
• Experience with ion beam tracking detectors.
• Experience with ion trapping techniques.
• Experience preparing and running experiments at nuclear physics laboratories.

Message to Applicants:

Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU’s mission, vision, and leadership standards.

You must submit an online application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position. Please submit a cover letter discussing research interests and qualifications, a CV, and the names and contact information of 3 references. Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.

Please direct questions about the position to Dr. Alfredo Estrade, estra1a@cmich.edu or Dr. Matthew Redshaw, redsh1m@cmich.edu

About the Department:

The Department of Physics offers B.S., B.S. in Ed., M.S. and Ph.D. programs in physics. The department also offers a full range of general education and service courses in physics, physical science, and astronomy. Further information about the department is available on the department website.

Posting Begins: 11/26/2025
Posting Ends:
Open Until Filled: Yes