Princeton University is seeking a postdoctoral research associate in experimental particle physics, accelerator physics, and/or scientific computing. The postdoctoral research associate(s) will work with the Princeton High Energy Experiment Group on research at the intersection of collider simulation, modern ML/computing, and future accelerator R&D, with a primary project in Muon Collider (MuC) R&D and the option to pursue a joint project connected to CMS analysis.

A muon collider is a leading candidate for the next energy-frontier facility, and the postdoc will lead or co-lead work in one (or a combination) of several areas spanning detector, computing, and accelerator R&D. On the detector and computing side, this can include beam-induced background (BIB) simulation benchmarking and validation or development of fast or accelerated simulation workflows. On the accelerator side, the work can include beam simulations covering the front-end, transport, and interface regions (including cross-checks and uncertainty studies across toolchains), Muon Cooling or HTS magnet simulations relevant to muon collider systems, such as assessing field and engineering constraints and their impact on optics and overall performance.

Postdocs will be embedded in a multi-institution collaboration (including partners at the University of Chicago and the University of Tennessee, and close connections to Fermilab and the international muon collider community). Responsibilities include mentoring junior researchers (post-bacs, graduate students, undergraduates), contributing to shared software practices (repos, documentation, validation), and presenting results in collaboration meetings and conferences.

Optional joint project (CMS analysis):
By mutual agreement, the postdoc may also lead or co-lead a complementary CMS analysis or analysis-adjacent effort (e.g., trigger/online ML, reconstruction performance studies, or a physics analysis aligned with the group’s expertise). This joint structure is intended to provide a clear pathway to high-impact publications and visibility within a major LHC collaboration while building expertise relevant to future collider programs

This postion will be based at Princeton University or at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland or at FermiLab near Chicago, Illinois, subject to discussion with the Principle Investigator. The work location for this position is in-person, on campus at the selected location. The term of the appointment is based on rank. Positions at the postdoctoral rank are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance, continued funding and meeting all requirements; those hired at a more senior rank may have multi-year appointments.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.