Department: Physics

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary range is $46,00 - $55,000 and is commensurate with qualifications

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Department of Physics at Wichita State University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in experimental neutrino physics, with a focus on work related to the NOvA and DUNE experiments. This position is part of a DOE-supported three-year program aimed at advancing neutrino interaction measurements, detector development, and software systems for long-baseline neutrino experiments. The successful candidate will contribute to a range of activities supporting the DUNE and NOvA physics programs. Key responsibilities include:

- NOvA Interaction Studies: Measuring semi-inclusive pion production cross sections using NOvA near detector data. This includes training and applying deep-learning models to improve final-state particle reconstruction accuracy.

- DUNE Detector Development: Participating in the design and prototyping of the muon spectrometer (TMS) for the DUNE near detector, with emphasis on magnetic system optimization, power supply design, and field measurement procedures.

- Joint Reconstruction & Software: Developing machine learning-based joint reconstruction algorithms combining data from the NDLAr and TMS systems to meet DUNE Phase-I physics sensitivity goals.

- Computing Infrastructure: Contributing to the development of core software and a new data processing framework within the DUNE Computing Consortium.

The position offers opportunities for travel to Fermilab and other collaboration sites, along with active involvement in international physics collaborations.

Job Summary

Administers a variety of studies within scientific or scholarly area of expertise. Performs research study analyses, writes reports and publications, and coordinates with others in carrying out research.

Essential Functions

Participates with others on research projects. Builds upon previous or concurrent research. Develops research projects through a variety of methods, collaborations and analyses. Gathers data and develops statistical analyses to assimilate and interpret research results. Resolves data and/or research issues. Researches, writes, and communicates research progress and outcomes. Maintains research facility data, equipment, and specimens to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations. May supervise the work of others.

Job Duties

This is for postdoctoral research supported as part of a Department of Energy research grant focused studying neutrino interaction in the DUNE and NOvA experiments.

Required Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. in experimental particle physics or a closely related field (completed by start date)
• One (1) year of experience in research, laboratory, scholarly setting, or related field
  Experience with data analysis in high-energy or neutrino physics

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong written and oral communication skills -
• Ability to work effectively within large collaborations
• Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., C++, Python) and familiarity with tools such as ROOT or ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with LArTPC or magnet-based detector systems
• Background in machine learning applications in physics
• Familiarity with distributed computing or software infrastructure development

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job. This includes dexterity in instrument manipulation. Ability to move, transport, and/or deliver items, supplies, or equipment.

Additional Physical Requirement:

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to constantly move objects.