Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Type: Fulltime Staff

Search Type: External - minimum 7 days

Department: 21R000 - Science, Tech, Engineering & Math

Division: 2R0000 - Academic Affairs

Position Location: Richmond Campus

Driver Classification: Non-Driver

FLSA: Exempt

Schedule Type: Full Time (37.5 hrs per week or more)

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Additional Schedule Details:

Posted Salary Grade: Exempt - G22

Retirement: KTRS

Contact Person: Jason Fry

Job Summary/Basic Functions

Eastern Kentucky University has an opening for Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Fundamental Nuclear Physics with Neutrons. Jason Fry’s group has worked on significant contributions to Nab and BL3 and supports their experimental efforts through work from the PI and undergraduate students through multiple NSF grants. The incumbent will support new and ongoing research in the group’s efforts in the Nab and BL3 experiments. The group’s focus in the near term will be working on magnetometry for Nab, developing the BL3 DAQ, running and tweaking Monte Carlo simulations for Nab and BL3, finishing timing studies in Nab using external fast scintillators, and supporting integration efforts of the BL3 DAQ with the apparatus. The incumbent will be able to collaborate with undergraduates at EKU as well nearby institutions working on Nab and BL3. The position supports travel to universities, national labs, and national conferences. EKU is a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI) and the incumbent will be able to get valuable experience working and collaborating with PI and undergraduates in this setting. This position is term-limited and contingent upon external grant funding availability. The University intends a term of two years.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is flexible to accommodate the selected candidate, though the department hopes to fill the role as soon as possible.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A.B.D or Ph.D. in Physics

Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in a relevant field. Education may substitute for experience, but experience may not substitute for education

Licensure & Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Duties:

60% - Support new and ongoing research in the Nab and BL3 experiment activities, supported by NSF, alongside the PI and undergraduate students. These activities include: a new magnetometry measurement and analysis of the Nab spectrometer magnetic fields, help develop the BL3 DAQ and algorithms, carry out Monte Carlo simulations for Nab and BL3, and help undergraduates at EKU finish the Nab in-situ timing efforts. - (Essential)
20% - Support the integration efforts of BL3 apparatus in 2025-2026 and beyond. - (Essential)
15% - Mentor, guide, and support undergraduate research in efforts in the Nab and BL3 experiments - (Essential)
5% - Other duties as assigned - (Essential)

Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Funding Source: Grant

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions:

EEO Statement

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts or any employment policy or practice.

Background Check Statement

Offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.