Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions in Experimental Particle Physics (ATLAS Experiment at CERN)

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY

Two Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions in Experimental Particle Physics (ATLAS Experiment at CERN)

Position Overview

The KFUPM Experimental Particle Physics group at the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Industrial Nuclear Energy (IRC-INE) and the Physics Department invites applications for two postdoctoral positions to work on the ATLAS Experiment at CERN. KFUPM recently joined the ATLAS Collaboration at CERN as an Associate Member Institute, and the group works closely with the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, USA. Successful candidates will work with Prof. Wasikul Islam and will be members of the ATLAS Collaboration, with potential opportunities to spend some time at CERN and SLAC.

The group uses AI and machine learning to search for new physics at the LHC and at future colliders, including model-independent searches based on anomaly detection, and developing advanced tracking, vertexing, and pileup-mitigation techniques for the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC).

Position A: ATLAS ITk Pixel Detector and HL-LHC Upgrade (hardware and software)

This postdoc may work full-time on detector hardware for the first six months, then move to a flexible research program:

• First 6 months (full-time hardware): ATLAS Inner Tracker (ITk) Pixel detector work, such as module assembly, testing, quality control, integration, commissioning, and performance studies.

• After the first 6 months (flexible topics): the postdoc will shape their own program together with Prof. Islam, which may include continued ITk Pixel work, software development for the ATLAS HL-LHC upgrade (tracking, reconstruction, simulation, calibration, data-quality tools), and physics analysis or AI/ML projects.

Position B: LHC Data Analysis and AI/ML Development

This postdoc will focus on physics analysis and machine learning (but not limited to):

• Analysis of LHC Run 2 and Run 3 data with the ATLAS detector, including searches for physics beyond the Standard Model.

• Development of AI/ML tools for LHC data analysis, such as anomaly detection, unsupervised and physics-informed methods, agentic AI and fast inference.

• Studies of the HL-LHC and future collider physics reach, and contributions to ATLAS combined-performance or trigger-level ML work where interests align.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications

• PhD in experimental particle physics, preferably on an LHC or other collider experiment, completed by the start of the appointment.

Preferred qualifications

• Position A: hands-on experience with silicon detectors or pixel modules is desirable but not necessary. Programming skills (C++, Python) and familiarity with tracking or reconstruction software will be useful.

• Position B: a record of data analysis in ATLAS or another collider experiment; experience with ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and strong C++/Python skills.

• For both: ability to work independently and within a large international collaboration, and good written and spoken English.

Application Materials

As a single PDF or separate uploads, per the portal:

• Cover letter stating which position (A, B or both) you are applying for

• Curriculum vitae

• Publication list

• Statement of research interests (up to 3 pages)

• Letters of recommendation will be requested later from shortlisted candidates

Benefits

KFUPM offers a dynamic and supportive research environment, including:

• Competitive salary and housing allowance

• 30 days paid annual vacation

• Campus medical care

• Access to campus facilities, including private beach access

• Participation in a Global particle physics effort and collaboration at CERN

Deadline

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Review will begin on 15 December 2026 and continue until the positions are filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Contact

For enquiries about the position, reach out to Dr. Wasikul Islam, Assistant Professor, Physics Department, KFUPM, at wasikul.islam@kfupm.edu.sa. Please put "[ATLAS Postdoc Application: Position A/B]" in the subject line.

More information about the interests of the group: https://physics.kfupm.edu.sa/People/faculty/faculty-details/wasikul.islam

KFUPM is an equal opportunity employer.