Postdoctoral position in Experimental Hadron Physics

Do you want to work with machine learning methods in hadron physics, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want to work in a department that focuses on sustainable employment and offers safe, favourable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

One of the greatest challenges in modern physics is to understand the strong force that binds quarks and gluons into hadrons, such as protons and neutrons. This is the overarching goal of hadron physics, a broad and dynamic field of research.

Our research group is internationally renowned for our innovative studies of hyperons – the proton’s heavier and unstable siblings – and for our scientific and technical contributions to international experiments such as BESIII in China and the future PANDA in Germany. We recently joined the Belle II experiment in Japan, where we are also part of a European network where machine-learning techniques in particle and hadron physics play an important role.

The research group is part of the Department of Nuclear Physics at Uppsala University, which actively works to create an including work environment where employees can grow and develop. Personal initiative in the work is encouraged, as is active participation in the design of the department's activities. We offer career support for young researchers, and our many international collaborations provide access to a large professional network.

Duties
This postdoctoral position revolves around particle tracking with deep learning within the Belle II experiment in Japan. The group has previously developed a geometric deep learning (GDL) pipeline for PANDA that has proven successful in reconstructing long-lived hyperons and slow pions. These particles pose a particular challenge for Belle II, making GDL an interesting candidate for improving track reconstruction within the Belle II software. In addition, we encourage your own ideas and initiatives.

The postdoc is expected to contribute to the general software development within Belle II, contribute to the experiment's common tasks such as beam time duty, and assist with in supervision of students and doctoral students. We offer the opportunity for travelling to KEK, Japan and to our European partners.

Requirements
A doctoral degree in physics, or a foreign degree equivalent to a doctorate in physics, is required. The degree must have been obtained no later than the time the employment decision is made.  Priority should be given to those who have graduated no more than three years ago. When calculating the three-year time frame, the starting point is the last date of application. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been completed earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust in trade unions, etc.

For the specific tasks, a solid background in particle tracking and machine learning techniques is necessary. Very good oral and written skills in English are mandatory.

Additional qualifications
Experience working in Belle and/or Belle II and the co-programming languages ​​Python and C++ is a merit. Furthermore, experience in writing scientific papers and supervising students is valuable. 

The application must contain: CV, copies of relevant grades and degrees, a copy of or a link to the doctoral thesis, a list of publications explaining the applicant's contributions, a list of references (e.g. former supervisors) and other documents that the applicant wishes to attach. In addition, we request a two-page statement of the applicant's research interests - what the applicant’s previous experience as well as how this can be applied within the framework of this postdoctoral position.

About the employment
The position is limited in time for two years according to the central collective agreement. The scope is full-time. Entry on July 1 or by agreement. Place of work: Uppsala 

For further information about the position, please contact: Karin Schönning, karin.schonning@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by May 2nd 2025, UFV-PA 2025/948.

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