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Postdoctoral Associate

Requisition Number:

73739

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Date Posted:

27-Jul-2026
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Job Summary

The Department of Physics invites applications for a PostDoctoral Associate! 

The successful candidate will be expected to play a leading role in the group’s activities on the Phase 2 Level 1 trigger upgrade and data analysis related to searches for physics beyond the standard model. Experience or interest in firmware and/or machine learning is highly desirable. Primary locations for the position are Boulder or CERN, and is negotiable depending on individual circumstances and specific projects. For inquiries about this position, please contact Prof. Keith Ulmer (keith.ulmer@colorado.edu) and/or Prof. Kevin Stenson (kevin.stenson@colorado.edu).

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The University of Colorado high energy physics CMS group is led by five faculty members: John Cumalat, Bill Ford, Kevin  Stenson, Keith Ulmer, and Steve Wagner. The group plays leading roles in the Phase 2 Level 1 track trigger and correlator trigger upgrades and Phase 2 upgrade work on pixel sensor and electronics R&D. The group is active in a variety of physics analyses searching for physics beyond the standard model including anomaly detection, exotic dark matter models, supersymmetry, and lepton flavor violation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

  • Lead a CMS data analysis effort aligned with our goals of discovering physics beyond the standard model.
  • Develop firmware for the CMS phase 2 upgrade Level 1 trigger track finder and/or Global Track Trigger components.
  • Investigate uses of AI for anomaly detection in the CMS Level 1 scouting system.
  • Mentor University of Colorado graduate and undergraduate students in the CMS group.
  • Provide progress reports during the weekly CU CMS group meetings.

What We Can Offer

  • The salary range for this position is $67,000 - $74,000 per year.
  • Moving reimbursement for up to $2,500.
    • Payment contingent on actual expenses incurred.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

  • Candidates must have a Ph.D. in particle physics or a closely related field.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Resume or CV
  2. Cover letter
  3. Research statement describing past and proposed future research
If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version as an optional attachment.

During the application process you will need to enter contact information for three references who may be contacted to provide letters of recommendation and additional materials, if needed, as the search progresses. 

For full consideration, please apply by September 15, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs. 

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Prof. Kevin Stenson

Posting Contact Email: kevin.stenson@colorado.edu