Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Physics and Astronomy - UTK

The Medium Energy Physics group in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in experimental nuclear physics. The successful candidate will contribute to a research program based primarily at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, Virginia, with a focus on Hall C experiments investigating nucleon structure in the nuclear medium and on the research and development of a polarized 3He target for the CLAS12 Hall B spin-physics program. The position will combine a leading role in the preparation, commissioning, operation, and analysis of Hall C experiments with research and development of a polarized 3He target based on Metastability Exchange Optical Pumping (MEOP). The candidate will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and collaborators at UTK and Jefferson Lab and will have opportunities to contribute to additional research activities within the group.

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Take a leading role in the preparation, commissioning, and operation of experiment E12-14-002, followed by analysis and interpretation of the data.

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Contribute to the design, construction, testing, commissioning, and performance optimization of the polarized 3He target using Metastability Exchange Optical Pumping (MEOP).

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Mentor and work closely with graduate students participating in experimental and target-development activities.

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Communicate research results through collaboration meetings, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Required Qualifications

• Education: PhD in experimental nuclear physics, particle physics, or a closely related field completed by the date of hire. The anticipated start date is Nov 15, 2026.
• Experience: Research experience in experimental nuclear or particle physics obtained through doctoral research or equivalent training.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Hands-on experience with experimental hardware and instrumentation, including experimental setup, system troubleshooting, construction, and testing. Experience with programming and data analysis for large-scale experiments. Ability to conduct independent research, work effectively in a collaborative environment, communicate scientific results clearly, and contribute to the preparation and operation of complex experiments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Experience with polarized-target development or operation is desirable. Experience with electron-scattering experiments and data analysis is a plus.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Familiarity with polarization technique, cryogenic operation, or Jefferson Lab experimental operations is desirable.

Work Location

• Newport News, Virginia - onsite at Jefferson Lab.

Compensation and Benefits

• Anticipated hiring range: $55,000-$67,000, depending on qualifications and experience
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applicants should submit the materials below by October 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled.

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and the names and contact information of references
• Brief statement of research interests and relevant experience (maximum 3 pages)
• Three letters of recommendation; applicants should arrange for the letters to be sent directly to Prof. Dien Nguyen at [email hidden].

Questions regarding the position may be directed to Prof. Dien Nguyen at [email hidden]

About The Department

The Department has an exemplary research record, with eight professors earning NSF CAREER awards since 2012, eight professors among the world’s top two percent of physicists based on citation count, the award of the prestigious American Physical Society 2021 Bonner Prize, eleven APS Fellows, and four AAAS Fellows. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Tennessee’s flagship state research institution, a campus of choice for outstanding undergraduates and a premier graduate institution with a number of nationally and internationally ranked programs and with national and international leadership in numerous fields.