Postdoctoral Researcher, Physics and Astronomy

Postdoctoral Researcher, Physics and Astronomy

Company: Ohio University

Job Location: Athens, 45701-2979

Category: Physics

Type: Full-Time

Applications Accepted From
Public: Open to the public

Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the online application and attach the following required documents when prompted:
1. A cover letter that describes your qualifications and the reasons why you are interested in the position.
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. A list of at least three (3) professional references. Please provide current contact information, including an e-mail address for each reference provider.
To be considered, please submit a complete application by 11:59 p.m. EST on the close date listed below.

This position is eligible for the following benefits
medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.

Posting Number: 20166974S

Job Description:

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct experimental nuclear physics research focused on statistical nuclear physics, including measurements of nuclear level densities, gamma-ray strength functions, and related quantities using particle accelerator facilities and advanced detector systems. The researcher will be responsible for the full experimental workflow - from experimental design and data acquisition to sophisticated data analysis, including nuclear reaction modeling. The researcher will contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present results at national and international conferences. Additional duties as assigned may include mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, assisting with laboratory operations, and contributing to proposal writing for external funding.

Primary Accountabilities:

1. Data Analysis & Interpretation - Perform rigorous analysis of experimental data using relevant software frameworks and nuclear reaction codes (e.g., TALYS, EMPIRE, Oslo Method software) and interpret results within the broader context of nuclear structure and reaction theory.
2. Experimental Research & Data Collection - Plan, prepare, and execute nuclear physics experiments measuring statistical nuclear properties (e.g., nuclear level densities, gamma-ray strength functions) at accelerator facilities, ensuring proper detector setup, calibration, and data acquisition.
3. Scholarly Output & Dissemination - Lead and contribute to the writing of peer-reviewed journal articles and present research findings at national and international conferences, maintaining a strong record of scientific productivity.
4. Collaboration & Project Coordination - Actively collaborate with internal research group members as well as external partners at national laboratories and universities, coordinating efforts to meet project milestones and deliverables within funded research programs.
5. Mentorship & Laboratory Operations - Assist in the training and day-to-day mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in experimental techniques and data analysis and contribute to the safe operation of laboratory equipment and facilities.

About the Physics and Astronomy Department at OHIO
Located in Athens, Ohio, the astrophysics group in the Department of Physics and Astronomy includes experts in galaxy clustering analysis, gravitational lensing, galaxy clusters, and nuclear astrophysics (https://www.ohio.edu/cas/physastro/).

Minimum Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Chemistry, or related fields

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge in accelerator-based experiments and radiation counting
• Experience working with indirect neutron-capture techniques, charged-particle reactions, or similar experiments and analysis
• Programming experience in C++ and/or other programming languages
• Experience performing analysis using ROOT or a comparable analysis framework
• Experience performing simulations with GEANT4
• Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature in physics or a related field

Working Conditions/Physical Demands
Office environment/no specific or unusual physical or environmental requirements.

Department
Physics and Astronomy

Pay Rate: Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials and is accompanied by our generous university benefits such as tuition for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan including company contributions, parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and more. OHIO is also proud to offer wellness programs, on-site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program. Additional Information is available at https://www.ohio.edu/hr/benefits/.

Job Open Date
04/16/2026

Posting Close Date
05/17/2026

Job Category: Post Doctoral Research at-will appointment

Months
12 month

Planning Unit: College of Arts & Sciences

Campus: Athens

Expected hours worked per week
40

Expected duration of assignment
1 year with the possibility of continuing 1 additional year contingent on the availability of grant funding.