Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Research Associate will conduct research within the Nuclear Theory Group, focusing on using microscopic transport models to extract the properties of dense nuclear matter.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop microscopic transport models (e.g., SMASH) with the aim of extracting nuclear matter properties probed in heavy-ion collisions at energies relevant to FRIB, STAR FXT, HADES, CBM, or equivalent programs.
• Perform robust comparisons of heavy-ion collision simulations with experimental data. 
• Disseminate results at conferences and workshops.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated familiarity with heavy-ion collision phenomenology (e.g., key observables and their dependencies, well-known modeling approaches, leading interpretations of experimental data).
• Thorough knowledge of microscopic transport models.
• Thorough knowledge of nuclear many-body theory (e.g., thermodynamics of dense relativistic nuclear matter, relativistic Boltzmann evolution)
• Skillful ability in developing microscopic transport simulations of heavy-ion collisions at collision energies relevant to FRIB, STAR FXT, HADES, CBM, or equivalent programs.
• Advanced ability in building, testing, and interpreting models and simulations.
• Skilled and experienced use of programming languages (C++, Python), high-performance computing, version management tools (Git), LaTeX, and typical office software for typesetting and presentation.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and work in a team environment.
• Effective communication skills to communicate clearly and credibly, both verbally and in writing, with all audiences.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Nuclear Theory or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in nuclear theory or anticipate Ph.D. completion by Fall of 2025.
• At least one year of experience in relevant fields of nuclear many-body theory (e.g., thermodynamics of dense relativistic nuclear matter, relativistic Boltzmann evolution, …)
• At least one year of experience with developing microscopic transport simulations of heavy-ion collisions at energies relevant to FRIB, STAR FXT, HADES, CBM, or equivalent programs.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with performing Bayesian analyses.

Required Application Materials

1. Cover letter highlighting interest in and experience related to the open position.
2. CV, including a complete list of publications and presentations.
3. Research statement (up to 2 pages) detailing the applicant's research outcomes so far (up to 1.5 pages) and research directions that the applicant finds especially interesting (up to 1 page).
4. Personal statement on the candidate’s experience in and envisioned contributions to creating a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive research environment (up to 1 page).
5. Contact information for at least three references.
   
   

Special Instructions

1. Cover letter highlighting interest in and experience related to the open position.
2. CV, including a complete list of publications and presentations.
3. Research statement (up to 2 pages) detailing the applicant's research outcomes so far (up to 1.5 pages) and research directions that the applicant finds especially interesting (up to 1 page).
4. Personal statement on the candidate’s experience in and envisioned contributions to creating a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive research environment (up to 1 page).
5. Contact information for at least three references.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/03/2025

Website

https://frib.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.