"Research Pro 6-High Energy Phys (Liu)"

About the Job

Job Description:

The University of Minnesota High Energy Physics group seeks an outstanding applicant for a research associate position to develop novel instrumentation for future high energy and nuclear physics experiments. The appointment is expected to last for three years, subject to the availability of continued funding and satisfactory performance. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in high energy physics (HEP) or a closely related field, and to have demonstrated experience developing novel instrumentation for HEP detectors. Additionally, preference will be given to candidates with experience with detector operations.

The Minnesota CMS group participates in a wide range of physics analyses, including precision measurements of the Higgs boson, Standard Model measurements and searches for exotic particles. Our interests in detectors include the development of pico-second timing systems and the application of modern machine learning methods, the design, development and testing of electronic components. Our group has leadership roles in the CMS hadron and electromagnetic calorimeters, and the high granular calorimeter planned for the CERN HL-LHC. The successful candidate will be expected to take on leading roles in the development of novel instrumentation for future high energy physics experiments.

Job Requirements:

• 45% - ASIC design. Simulate, design and develop ASICs for high energy physics applications. Work with ASIC designers at national labs and other collaboration institutions. Prepare tapeouts for submission to ASIC foundries. Monitor the production process and prepare test fixtures to qualify new ASICs.
• 30% - Design and manufacture of printed circuit boards to test new approaches to the problem of clock distribution. Write test software and conduct tests qualify the new methods. Direct and supervise undergraduate and graduate students to test software and conduct tests.
• 10% - Report preparations: Contribute to the preparation of scientific reports that describe the methods and the results obtained.
• 10% - Group Management: Advise the PI on the selection of undergraduates and other technical staff to work on the research projects. Work with the PI to identify research opportunities and develop proposals with the PI in response to funding opportunities.
• 5% - Communicating Research Results:
  • Maintaining familiarity with cutting-edge results and methods
  • Attending collaboration meetings, seminars and conferences
  • Communicating research to the broader community
  • Writing papers and submitting them for publication in scientific journals
  • Presenting results at conferences (both domestic and international)

Other duties of a similar scope as assigned.

H-1B sponsorship may be provided to those who currently hold a valid visa and are present in the United States. Updated on October 28, 2025.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Physics in experimental high energy physics or related fields with extensive experience in the instrumentation and the software systems used in high energy physics.
• Familiarity with Unix/Linux operating systems, the C++ and Python programming languages.
• Experience designing printed circuit boards.
• Experience in the design and simulation of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) using CADENCE.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the development and operation of instrumentation for high energy or nuclear physics.
• Experience with colliding beam experiments

About the Department

School of Physics and Astronomy: https://cse.umn.edu/physics

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $65,000 - $68,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Please provide the following application documents.

• Cover letter explaining why you are interested and qualified for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae including recent publications
• Statement of research experience and interests
• Reference list with contact information