Human Resources

Postdoctoral Scholar, Physics

Apply now Job No: 26141
Department: Physics
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Off Campus, Main Campus (Houghton, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Physics
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Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.

The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.

Summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar for our Physics department. The position is part of a collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory, to develop next-generation cloud chamber technology for exploring aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions. The postdoc will lead and support cloud chamber experiments, operate a range of instrumentation, and work closely with aerosol-generation systems and cloud droplet probes. Responsibilities also include data analysis and dissemination of results through presentations at professional society meetings and publications in peer reviewed journals. Familiarity with lab experiments, optics, AI/ML tools, especially embodied AI, is considered a plus.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Lead and support chamber experiments and operate a range of instrumentation in support of cloud chamber experiments
2. Conduct experiments
3. Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
4. Attend and/or present research at national and international conferences and meetings
5. Collaborate with BNL scientists and the MTU cloud chamber group members and visiting scientists
6. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
7. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Ph.D. in atmospheric science, physics, engineering or related field.

Required Experience

• Experience in Laboratory studies.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Proficiency with operating research-grade laboratory instrumentation
• Hands-on experience in laboratory cloud chamber research
• Experience in instrument development suitable for laboratory research
• Familiarity with AI/ML tools as they relate to experimental control (i.e., embodied AI) and data analysis.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Ability to work in a laboratory
• Ability to troubleshoot, upgrade, and, if necessary, repair, research-grade instruments
• Ability to conduct independent research as well as work in a collaborative research environment
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex concepts in a clear and concise manner
• Evidence of published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals as an author • Evidence of presented research at national and international conferences/meetings

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

 WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:
• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

-

Pay Rate/Salary

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000. However, the final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Professor

Posting Type

 Internal & External

Dependent on Funding

 Yes

Additional Information

The position is based at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.


Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)

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