Postdoctoral Researcher, Physics and Astronomy
Company:
Ohio University
Job Location:
Athens, 45701-2979
Category:
Physics
Type:
Full-Time
Applications Accepted From
Public: Open to the public
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the online application and attach the following required documents when prompted:
This position is eligible for the following benefits
medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.
Posting Number: 20166974S
Job Description
Job Description:
The postdoctoral researcher will conduct experimental nuclear physics research focused on statistical nuclear physics, including measurements of nuclear level densities, gamma-ray strength functions, and related quantities using particle accelerator facilities and advanced detector systems. The researcher will be responsible for the full experimental workflow - from experimental design and data acquisition to sophisticated data analysis, including nuclear reaction modeling. The researcher will contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present results at national and international conferences. Additional duties as assigned may include mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, assisting with laboratory operations, and contributing to proposal writing for external funding.
Primary Accountabilities:
1. Data Analysis & Interpretation - Perform rigorous analysis of experimental data using relevant software frameworks and nuclear reaction codes (e.g., TALYS, EMPIRE, Oslo Method software) and interpret results within the broader context of nuclear structure and reaction theory.
2. Experimental Research & Data Collection - Plan, prepare, and execute nuclear physics experiments measuring statistical nuclear properties (e.g., nuclear level densities, gamma-ray strength functions) at accelerator facilities, ensuring proper detector setup, calibration, and data acquisition.
3. Scholarly Output & Dissemination - Lead and contribute to the writing of peer-reviewed journal articles and present research findings at national and international conferences, maintaining a strong record of scientific productivity.
4. Collaboration & Project Coordination - Actively collaborate with internal research group members as well as external partners at national laboratories and universities, coordinating efforts to meet project milestones and deliverables within funded research programs.
5. Mentorship & Laboratory Operations - Assist in the training and day-to-day mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in experimental techniques and data analysis and contribute to the safe operation of laboratory equipment and facilities.
About the Physics and Astronomy Department at OHIO
Located in Athens, Ohio, the astrophysics group in the includes experts in galaxy clustering analysis, gravitational lensing, galaxy clusters, and nuclear astrophysics ().
About Ohio University
Established in 1804, is the oldest public university in the state of Ohio. Our total enrollment is over 28,000 students across the state and online. About 20,000 of those students are undergraduates studying at our residential campus in Athens-our quintessential college town that's nestled deep in the Appalachian foothills of beautiful Southeast Ohio. Our picturesque campus is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains amidst scenic state and national parks, and is just 75 minutes southeast of Columbus, Ohio.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Chemistry, or related fields
Preferred Qualifications
Office environment/no specific or unusual physical or environmental requirements.
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Pay Rate: Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials and is accompanied by our generous university benefits such as tuition for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan including company contributions, parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and more. OHIO is also proud to offer wellness programs, on-site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program. Additional Information is available at .
Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)
04/16/2026
Posting Close Date
05/17/2026
Job Category: Post Doctoral Research at-will appointment
Months
12 month
Planning Unit: College of Arts & Sciences
Campus: Athens
Expected hours worked per week
40
Expected duration of assignment
1 year with the possibility of continuing 1 additional year contingent on the availability of grant funding.
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.
Nancy Vandeman, vandemn1@ohio.edu
Non-Discrimination Statement
Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
Job Family/Subfamily
Research & Labs-Physical Sciences
Pay Grade
RES 01
Clery Act Statistics
Public: Open to the public
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the online application and attach the following required documents when prompted:
- A cover letter that describes your qualifications and the reasons why you are interested in the position.
- Curriculum Vitae
- A list of at least three (3) professional references. Please provide current contact information, including an e-mail address for each reference provider.
This position is eligible for the following benefits
medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement.
Posting Number: 20166974S
Job Description
Job Description:
The postdoctoral researcher will conduct experimental nuclear physics research focused on statistical nuclear physics, including measurements of nuclear level densities, gamma-ray strength functions, and related quantities using particle accelerator facilities and advanced detector systems. The researcher will be responsible for the full experimental workflow - from experimental design and data acquisition to sophisticated data analysis, including nuclear reaction modeling. The researcher will contribute to the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present results at national and international conferences. Additional duties as assigned may include mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, assisting with laboratory operations, and contributing to proposal writing for external funding.
Primary Accountabilities:
1. Data Analysis & Interpretation - Perform rigorous analysis of experimental data using relevant software frameworks and nuclear reaction codes (e.g., TALYS, EMPIRE, Oslo Method software) and interpret results within the broader context of nuclear structure and reaction theory.
2. Experimental Research & Data Collection - Plan, prepare, and execute nuclear physics experiments measuring statistical nuclear properties (e.g., nuclear level densities, gamma-ray strength functions) at accelerator facilities, ensuring proper detector setup, calibration, and data acquisition.
3. Scholarly Output & Dissemination - Lead and contribute to the writing of peer-reviewed journal articles and present research findings at national and international conferences, maintaining a strong record of scientific productivity.
4. Collaboration & Project Coordination - Actively collaborate with internal research group members as well as external partners at national laboratories and universities, coordinating efforts to meet project milestones and deliverables within funded research programs.
5. Mentorship & Laboratory Operations - Assist in the training and day-to-day mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students in experimental techniques and data analysis and contribute to the safe operation of laboratory equipment and facilities.
About the Physics and Astronomy Department at OHIO
Located in Athens, Ohio, the astrophysics group in the includes experts in galaxy clustering analysis, gravitational lensing, galaxy clusters, and nuclear astrophysics ().
About Ohio University
Established in 1804, is the oldest public university in the state of Ohio. Our total enrollment is over 28,000 students across the state and online. About 20,000 of those students are undergraduates studying at our residential campus in Athens-our quintessential college town that's nestled deep in the Appalachian foothills of beautiful Southeast Ohio. Our picturesque campus is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains amidst scenic state and national parks, and is just 75 minutes southeast of Columbus, Ohio.
Minimum Qualifications
PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Chemistry, or related fields
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge in accelerator-based experiments and radiation counting
- Experience working with indirect neutron-capture techniques, charged-particle reactions, or similar experiments and analysis
- Programming experience in C++ and/or other programming languages
- Experience performing analysis using ROOT or a comparable analysis framework
- Experience performing simulations with GEANT4
- Documented publication record in peer-reviewed literature in physics or a related field
Office environment/no specific or unusual physical or environmental requirements.
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Pay Rate: Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials and is accompanied by our generous university benefits such as tuition for self and dependents, a comprehensive insurance package (including but not limited to health, prescription, vision, dental, and life insurance), an excellent retirement plan including company contributions, parental leave, adoption reimbursement, and more. OHIO is also proud to offer wellness programs, on-site wellness facilities, and a generous employee assistance program. Additional Information is available at .
Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)
Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.
Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.
Job Open Date04/16/2026
Posting Close Date
05/17/2026
Job Category: Post Doctoral Research at-will appointment
Months
12 month
Planning Unit: College of Arts & Sciences
Campus: Athens
Expected hours worked per week
40
Expected duration of assignment
1 year with the possibility of continuing 1 additional year contingent on the availability of grant funding.
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position.
Nancy Vandeman, vandemn1@ohio.edu
Non-Discrimination Statement
Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio university is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.
Job Family/Subfamily
Research & Labs-Physical Sciences
Pay Grade
RES 01
Clery Act Statistics
To view the Clery Act Annual Safety and Fire Report
