Research Associate - ML/AI

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC) is seeking a Research Associate (RA) to work on Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for high energy physics (HEP) in connections with the TREASURE, a DOE HEP American Science Cloud Intelligent Data Pilot, and with the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN.

TREASURE is multi-DOE laboratory and multi-experiment HEP energy frontier collaborative effort that is developing AI-ready data and using such data to develop and study data tokenization and multi-experiment AI model training, and explore foundation models for fundamental physics.

The SLAC ATLAS group consists of approximately 20 people, of which 5 are currently based at CERN. Information on the SLAC ATLAS group can be found on our web page . The SLAC ATLAS group provides exciting and cutting-edge research opportunities on a variety of experimental areas, including

• ATLAS Physics Analysis, including SM and BSM Higgs and di-Higgs physics
• Machine learning applications in simulation, reconstruction, trigger, and analysis
• Reconstruction & Performance, including b-tagging, tracking, jets and jet substructure
• High luminosity upgrade, including the Inner Tracker (ITk) upgrade and physics studies
• Detector R&D, including targeted studies for experiments at future colliders.

The successful candidate will be based either at SLAC or CERN. The potential start time for this position is Summer 2026.

The position is initially a two-year term with the possibility of renewal.

Position Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will contribute to the TREASURE project, including developing data tokenization methods and delivering AI-ready data to the American science cloud, developing multi-experiment training and fine-tuning methods, and exploring multi-experiment foundation models. The successful will also help develop LHC and other experimental open datasets for use in TREASURE. The successful candidate may also engage with physics analysis and related tasks such as simulation, reconstruction, and machine learning for ATLAS / LHC data, and other research opportunities in the SLAC ATLAS group, while also demonstrating alignment with the SLAC mission and values ( ).

Qualifications:

These are highly competitive positions as part of the general research associate program at SLAC, requiring a background of demonstrated excellence in research and a recent PhD in experimental particle physics, or related field, or have completed the requirements for such a degree prior to starting the position.

Application Material:

Please submit the following materials with your application:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae, including selected publications
• Research statement
• At least three Reference Letters (to be submitted by the reference writers to AJO site)

For further information, please see ,

or contact Dr. Michael Kagan ( ).

SLAC Employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, team collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1 General Policy and Responsibilities:
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide,
• As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Classification Title: Research Associate - Experimental

Duration: Fixed-Term

Job code: 0127

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 to $100,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs. At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.