Post Doc Fellow

Current UC employees must apply internally via Success Factors

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Job Overview

The High Energy Physics (HEP) group in the Department of Physics at the University of Cincinnati seeks candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. The position will be preferentially based at Cincinnati, OH, with the possibility of longer stays at Fermilab, IL and/or CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

Essential Functions

• Under the direct supervision of faculty supervisor, develop novel techniques incorporating machine learning in particle physics event generators.
• Contribute to the development of machine learning driven techniques in the Pythia 8 event generator, with a focus on hadronization phenomenology and the speed up of hadronization simulations in Pythia 8, as part of the Machine Learning for Hadronization (MLhad) collaboration effort.
• Gather and analyze data and develop new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepare data summaries, reports, manuscripts and presentations of research results.
• Participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentation; may assist in grant writing.
• Keep informed of developments in field to maintain and enhance professional expertise.

• May teach techniques to others, train, and mentor junior research staff.

• Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities.
• Play an active role in seeking career and research advice, both from the faculty supervisor and from other faculty members as well.

Minimum Requirements

Prior to the effective date of the appointment, a Ph.D. in Physics with a focus on high energy physics (HEP) phenomenology as evidenced by PhD thesis or a closely related field.

Required Education

Doctoral Degree in the appropriate field or discipline, or the recognized terminal degree

Required Trainings/Certifications

N/A

Required Experience

• In-depth knowledge of specialized field, process or discipline.
• May require experience with specialized software programs.

Application Process

Candidates should apply through jobs.uc.edu. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should submit:

• A cover letter with no more than one page;

• A current curriculum vitae.

• A statement describing research interests (up to three pages).

Applicants should arrange to have at least three letters of reference sent separately to Jure Zupan (zupanje.edu).

The deadline to submit applications will be January 21, 2026. The initial term will be for three years, with a competitive salary. If funds are available, the term may be extended to a maximum of five years. Interested candidates should contact Philip Ilten, Stephen Mrenna, and Jure Zupan via e-mail: philip.ilten, mrenna and zupanje.edu for more information on the position.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits Link) Highlights include:

Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won't contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you'll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14-18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage…