Laboratory for Nuclear Science (LNS), to work on the LHCb experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. The MIT LHCb group is searching for a new postdoc to be based either at CERN or at MIT depending on the candidate’s preference. The group consists of two faculty members, Eluned Smith and Mike Williams, along with several postdocs and graduate and undergraduate students. The group focuses on rare penguin decays, dark sectors, and proton structure, and works on many aspects of the real-time analysis (trigger) system. Will work primarily with Professor Smith. Approximately 50% of the time will be spent developing fast machine learning algorithms to run on FPGAs in LHCb Upgrade II. Some of this work will be done in collaboration with lead developers of the Hls4ml package to extend the package to be compatible with radiation hard FPGAs. Hls4ml is a community-standard package that interfaces trained ML models to FPGA backends. The other 50% of the time will be spent on physics analysis, specifically on rare electroweak penguin decays. However, depending on candidate’s preference and funding sources, it may be possible to spend the majority of the time on software development. The selected candidate will also be welcome to join the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions (IAIFI).

PhD in HEP or a related discipline. Ability to work autonomously and meet deadlines. Proven publication record. Ability to communicate effectively with experts from a range of disciplines Ability to generate and clearly communicate findings from data. Excellent writing skills in English, including for non-technical audiences. Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general. Excellent project, data and time management skills. Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills. Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace Job #24358

Funding will initially be for two years and may be renewed for additional one-year increments contingent upon satisfactory performance and available funding. All postdocs are appointed for 12 months increments, per MIT policy.

The position is available immediately. Review of applications will begin at the time of receipt, and the position will remain open until filled.

To ensure full consideration, candidates should apply by October 4, 2024. Interviews will be held remotely the following weeks.

MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin. MIT’s full policy on Nondiscrimination can be found here. Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check, including verifying any finding of misconduct (or pending investigation) from prior employers.