Research Associate-Fixed Term
- Michigan State University
- United States, MI
- May 9, 2026
Job Description:
Position Summary
The high-energy physics group at the Department of Physics & Astronomy (PA) at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking to hire a postdoctoral research associate to work on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.
The MSU group on ATLAS is active in the Phase II trigger upgrades as well as the tile calorimeter and muon detector upgrades. The physics activities of the group cover a broad range of signatures (leptons, bosons, top and bottom quarks) searching for new physics beyond the Standard Model. The group is also involved with precision measurements (Higgs, High-Mass Drell-Yan) and constraining PDF theory uncertainties.
The MSU group is also highly active in ATLAS operations and upgrades, with notable contributions the Level-1 Calorimeter Trigger, Level-0 Global Trigger, sMDT muon detector system, and Tile Calorimeter. Postdocs with the group have the opportunity to make strong impacts on these important aspects of the ATLAS experiment.
The group is always open to new directions that postdoctoral research associates are interested in. In addition to physics and hardware/operations opportunities, postdoctoral research associates will have the opportunity to gain experience in supervising graduate students and travel regularly to workshops and conferences.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -High Energy Physics
Minimum Requirements
A Ph.D. or equivalent in high energy physics is required. We anticipate that this position will involve frequent travel to CERN or residency at CERN.
Required Application Materials
This position is listed on the MSU Applicant Page (http://www.hr.msu.edu/hiring/msujobs.htm), postings 1091382. Applications should be uploaded to MSU’s online job application site, https://jobs.msu.edu, and should include a curriculum vitae and a description of research experience and interest. In addition, the contact information for three reference letter writers should be provided. We will request letters as necessary.
Special Instructions
Review of applications will commence on November 24, 2025. For further information on this position, please contact Dan Hayden ([email protected]) or Wade Fisher ([email protected]).
Review of Applications Begins On
11/24/2025
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
https://pa.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Job ID:
Location:
Job Views:
Post Code:
Employment Type:
Job Description:
Position Summary
The high-energy physics group at the Department of Physics & Astronomy (PA) at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking to hire a postdoctoral research associate to work on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.
The MSU group on ATLAS is active in the Phase II trigger upgrades as well as the tile calorimeter and muon detector upgrades. The physics activities of the group cover a broad range of signatures (leptons, bosons, top and bottom quarks) searching for new physics beyond the Standard Model. The group is also involved with precision measurements (Higgs, High-Mass Drell-Yan) and constraining PDF theory uncertainties.
The MSU group is also highly active in ATLAS operations and upgrades, with notable contributions the Level-1 Calorimeter Trigger, Level-0 Global Trigger, sMDT muon detector system, and Tile Calorimeter. Postdocs with the group have the opportunity to make strong impacts on these important aspects of the ATLAS experiment.
The group is always open to new directions that postdoctoral research associates are interested in. In addition to physics and hardware/operations opportunities, postdoctoral research associates will have the opportunity to gain experience in supervising graduate students and travel regularly to workshops and conferences.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -High Energy Physics
Minimum Requirements
A Ph.D. or equivalent in high energy physics is required. We anticipate that this position will involve frequent travel to CERN or residency at CERN.
Required Application Materials
This position is listed on the MSU Applicant Page (http://www.hr.msu.edu/hiring/msujobs.htm), postings 1091382. Applications should be uploaded to MSU’s online job application site, https://jobs.msu.edu, and should include a curriculum vitae and a description of research experience and interest. In addition, the contact information for three reference letter writers should be provided. We will request letters as necessary.
Special Instructions
Review of applications will commence on November 24, 2025. For further information on this position, please contact Dan Hayden ([email protected]) or Wade Fisher ([email protected]).
Review of Applications Begins On
11/24/2025
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
https://pa.msu.edu/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
Posted:
