The Physics Department at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, Virginia, USA) is seeking candidates for two postdoctoral research scholar positions to work with the EXCLAIM collaboration, including scientists from UVA, ODU, MSU, NMSU, Tufts, and other universities, who are active in both theoretical and experimental physics, lattice QCD, and computer science. The collaboration’s main interest is to develop new techniques with AI/ML aimed at extracting information on the QCD next-generation characterization of the 3D structure of nucleons and nuclei emerging from deeply virtual exclusive processes and high energy diffractive scattering experiments at the upgraded 12 GeV Jefferson Lab accelerator and at the planned Electron-Ion Collider (EIC).   

The successful candidates will work with UVA Professors Simonetta Liuti and Gia-Wei Chern on developing strategies to build physics constraints into machine learning (ML) algorithms for a wide range of deeply virtual as well as diffractive exclusive processes from nucleons and nuclei. An important aspect will be to develop quantification techniques to begin understanding the separation of aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties as they manifest themselves in exclusive scattering analyses. Our research group is poised to maximally capitalize on upcoming data to answer current critical questions in strong interactions physics. We offer a competitive stipend for these positions. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:    

The candidates must have a PhD in Physics or related field by the start date, with a background in the phenomenology of strongly interacting systems, as well as a strong commitment to pursuing forefront theoretical and computational research.  

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs  and attach a CV and a brief statement of research interests and experience.  Applicants should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to both gc6u@virginia.edu and sl4y@virginia.edu .  Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.  

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  Review of applications will begin on September 18 , 2023. The position will remain open until filled.  The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.  

This is a one-year appointment; however, the appointment may be renewed for an additional one-year increment, contingent upon available funding and satisfactory performance. 

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. UVA’s notice on Non-discrimination, EOE, Diversity, Safety and Security can be found on this site .  

For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .  

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral research associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .  

Contacts: Simonetta Liuti (sl4y@virginia.edu ),  Gia Wei Chern (gc6u@virginia.edu ). 

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.