Postdoctoral Researcher

Postdoctoral Researcher Posting Details Posting Details Logo Institution South Dakota Mines Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher Posting Number

NFE03059P

Department SDSMT-Physics 1 Physical Location of Position (City) Rapid City Posting Text The Physics Department at South Dakota Mines invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position to work on the germanium-based science and technology advancement research. This is a full-time, benefited position. In collaborating with USD and other universities in South Dakota, the successful applicant will play a major role in R Ds including laboratory testing and characterization of germanium detectors, develop advanced Monte Carlo models and AI-driven analysis tools to optimize detector response, and to promote precision medical imaging and low energy dark matter searches and neutrino experiments. Located in Rapid City, next to the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota, South Dakota Mines is the leading science and engineering university in the region. The campus is an hour's drive from the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), historic home of the noble-prize-winning Ray Davis experiment on solar neutrino oscillations, and home of the

LZ, MAJORANA

Demonstrator, and CASPAR experiments, and the

DUNE/LBNF

far detector. The university has made a focus of underground physics experiments to increase our understanding of particle/astroparticle physics and nuclear astrophysics. Physics faculty at South Dakota Mines are conducting internationally recognized research in particle/astroparticle physics, dark matter search, neutrino physics, nuclear astrophysics, as well as condensed matter and materials science. The preferred starting date of this position is July 1, 2026. The position would remain open for new applications until filled.

Qualifications:

Candidates should hold a PhD in experimental nuclear or particle physics. Experience with gamma-ray spectroscopy, germanium detectors and applications, GEANT4 simulations, as well as proficiency in C++ programming, is highly preferred.

To Apply:

Applications must be made online at https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203 or hr@sdsmt.edu. Review of applications will begin June 1, 2026. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation. Please attach a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference). Posting Date 05/12/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled No First Consideration Date 06/01/2026 Advertised Salary Minimum of $58,000 depending on education and experience Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100% Work Hours Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Faculty Status No Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search This position requires Travel, Valid Drivers License, Other If other, please indicate Occasionally requires overnight or weekend stays for on-going lab test. Department Description and Cultural Expectations Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success. South Dakota Mines is recognized frequently for its rigorous curriculum, groundbreaking research, and return on investment. Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state's second-largest city with an MSA population of nearly 160,000. The city is nestled next to the beautiful Black Hills, a region boasting breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and attractions ranging from complex cave systems to historic towns and massive monuments. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. Contact Information Working Conditions Cognitive Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Perform calculations, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication Protective Clothing/Equipment Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Eye Protection, Latex Gloves, Protective Clothing, Surgical Mask If other protection is used please identify Other protections are required (and provided) to work in a cleanroom for particular lab tasks. Physical Requirements Please designate the physical requirements of this position Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Ladders, Climbing Stairs, Crawling, Crouching, Driving, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Grasping, Kneeling, Lifting Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting moderate, Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Squatting, Standing for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use Both Hands, Walking, Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating) Describe any of the conditions selected These selected conditions are essential for the planned lab work. Sensory Requirements Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Depth Perception, Hearing, Peripheral Vision, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses) Working Conditions & Exposures Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Electrical Current, Radiation Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above

Electrical Current:

The lab equipment uses electricity;

Radiation:

Some labs need to use radioactive sources. Working Environment Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Classroom Environment, Lab Environment If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.