Princeton University is seeking a postdoctoral research associate in experimental particle physics, accelerator physics, and/or scientific computing.  The postdoctoral research associate(s) will work with the Princeton High Energy Experiment Group on research at the intersection of collider simulation, modern ML/computing, and future accelerator R&D, with a primary project in Muon Collider (MuC) R&D and the option to pursue a joint project connected to CMS analysis.

A muon collider is a leading candidate for the next energy-frontier facility, and the postdoc will lead or co-lead work in one (or a combination) of several areas spanning detector, computing, and accelerator R&D. On the detector and computing side, this can include beam-induced background (BIB) simulation benchmarking and validation or development of fast or accelerated simulation workflows. On the accelerator side, the work can include beam simulations covering the front-end, transport, and interface regions (including cross-checks and uncertainty studies across toolchains), Muon Cooling or HTS magnet simulations relevant to muon collider systems, such as assessing field and engineering constraints and their impact on optics and overall performance.

Postdocs will be embedded in a multi-institution collaboration (including partners at the University of Chicago and the University of Tennessee, and close connections to Fermilab and the international muon collider community). Responsibilities include mentoring junior researchers (post-bacs, graduate students, undergraduates), contributing to shared software practices (repos, documentation, validation), and presenting results in collaboration meetings and conferences.

Optional joint project (CMS analysis):
By mutual agreement, the postdoc may also lead or co-lead a complementary CMS analysis or analysis-adjacent effort (e.g., trigger/online ML, reconstruction performance studies, or a physics analysis aligned with the group’s expertise). This joint structure is intended to provide a clear pathway to high-impact publications and visibility within a major LHC collaboration while building expertise relevant to future collider programs

This postion will be based at Princeton University or at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland or at FermiLab near Chicago, Illinois, subject to discussion with the Principle Investigator.  The work location for this position is in-person, on campus at the selected location.  The term of the appointment is based on rank.  Positions at the postdoctoral rank are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance, continued funding and meeting all requirements; those hired at a more senior rank may have multi-year appointments.  

Essential Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Experimental Particle Physics, Accelerator Physics, or a closely related field (computational physics/scientific computing/data science/ML acceptable with relevant research experience), by the start date
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C++, and experience with collaborative software development (version control, documentation)
• Demonstrated ability to deliver research outcomes (papers, talks, or documented software/analysis deliverables)
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; ability to work collaboratively across disciplines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with one or more of: accelerator/beamline simulation tools, particle-transport/detector simulation (e.g., Geant4/FLUKA/MARS), cooling-channel modeling, magnet/EM simulation, GPU/performance optimization, ML frameworks (PyTorch/TensorFlow), or computing on constrained systems
• Experience in a major collider collaboration (CMS/ATLAS) and/or a track record of analysis leadership
• Interest in bridging near-term LHC physics impact with longer-term future-collider R&D

Applicants must apply online and must include a CV, a 1–2 page statement of research experience and interests, and a cover letter and three confidential letters of reference.  The position is subject to the University’s background check policy. Application review will begin in March 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

For additional information, contact Prof. Isobel Ojalvo (Princeton University).