Postdoctoral Research Associate - Machine Learning In High Energy Physics Detector Operations

Postdoctoral Research Associate Position

The High Energy Physics Division at Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral research associate position to conduct research in machine learning (ML) for applications in High-Energy Physics (HEP). We seek highly qualified candidates with interest and experience in ML algorithms including unsupervised techniques, time-series modeling, and clustering algorithms. The candidate is expected to lead an effort to prepare generalized ML techniques for data quality monitoring for tasks across multiple HEP experiments.

Experiments with Argonne involvement include, but are not limited to, ATLAS at CERN, the South Pole Telescope, and the Simons Observatory.

The candidate is also expected to work closely with computational experts at the Computational Science (CPS) division, designing and executing ML experiments on leadership-class computing facilities such as the Aurora and Polaris supercomputers. Argonne is a multidisciplinary national laboratory and offers an exciting campus atmosphere in which to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, at both the national and international levels. The initial appointment will be for one year, with possibility of renewal for another two years and is based at Argonne National Laboratory (Lemont, Illinois).

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in high energy physics, or a related field

• Experience with applying unsupervised ML algorithms such as autoencoders, clustering, to time-series data is preferred

• Experience with the data from HEP experiments is strongly required

• Programming expertise in Python and either PyTorch or TensorFlow is required

• Experience using High-Performance Computers (HPCs) is preferred

• Ability to model Argonne's Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork

Openings are available immediately; there is flexibility in starting dates for highly qualified candidates. Review of applications will begin immediately and applications that are received by December 1, 2025, will receive priority. The positions will remain open until filled.

Complete applications must include:

• Curriculum vitae

• A description of research interests

• Arrange for three letters of recommendation to HEPHR@anl.gov

For further information and questions please contact Walter Hopkins at whopkins@anl.gov.

Job Family: Postdoctoral

Job Profile: Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type: Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type: Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $70,758.00-$117,925.00. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.