Research Associate

Fermilab is excited to announce one postdoctoral researcher position in artificial intelligence (AI) for science with Dr. Aleksandra Ciprijanovic (alexciprijanovic.com) and her research group! The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of deep learning, cosmology, and high-energy physics, with opportunities to contribute to both methodological AI research and applications in fundamental science. 

In this position, you will have the opportunity to develop and apply new AI algorithms for science. Our group also welcomes new research directions, and collaboration across different groups at the laboratory and beyond. We publish in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, and there will be opportunities for travel and inter-institutional collaboration. 

 This Research Associate position is a term position for 3 years, renewable for fourth and fifth year depending on funding and performance. 

Broadly, the activities in our group support the innovation, development, and application of advanced statistical and computing techniques to accelerate scientific discovery. In particular, we will develop a general deep learning framework that will advance and speed up AI model development in physics analysis. A particular focus of the project will be on: 

 1) Graph Neural Networks for cosmology, neutrino and/or collider physics, 

 2) Domain adaptation methods / model robustness, 

 3) Uncertainty quantification, 

4) Model interpretability. 

 Experience with other deep learning methods, such as Convolutional or Bayesian Neural Networks, Simulation-Based Inference (SBI), Normalizing Flows, or Diffusion Models, is also a plus. The position includes a competitive salary, research/travel funds, access to telescopes, HEP experiments and supercomputing facilities. 

Collaborations Synergistic activities in astrophysics/cosmology include involvement with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), Dark Energy Survey (DES), CAMELS Simulations (camel-simulations.org), and the Deep Skies Laboratory (deepskieslab.com). Synergistic activities in neutrino physics include DUNE, MicroBooNE and ICARUS collaborations, and CMS and ATLAS in collider physics. 

Community-building 

Our group aims to provide a welcoming and equitable research environment, in which our community members nurture the scientific and professional growth of their colleagues. We expect all group members to respect, understand, and value individual differences. We also expect all group members to abide by and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health, and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position. 

Mentoring Opportunities 

You will directly work with early career researchers (AI associates) and will have the opportunity to mentor and contribute to their work. Outside of the project there will be ample opportunity for working with students and researchers of all levels, as well as outreach and teaching opportunities via official summer programs at Fermilab.  

Skills and Attributes for Success: 

• PhD in astrophysics, physics, software engineering, computer science or related fields • Strong background in machine learning or statistical methods

• Demonstrated experience in scientific computing and data analysis

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team 

• Research experience in cosmology, or alternatively neutrino or collider physics 

• Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) 

• Experience in collaborative software development 

• Publications in leading astrophysics, physics or AI/ML journals/conferences 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 

• Experience or interest in mentoring junior scientists 

 Application Instructions 

Please apply at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30908

 A full application will include 

1. CV that includes all relevant experience and a list of publications 

2. Cover letter summarizing your background and interest in the position 

3. A brief statement of up to 3 pages of your research interests and how you envision contributing to the group’s research program 

4. Three letters of reference 

Complete applications received by November 30, 2025 (11:59pm AoE) will receive full consideration. 

Questions can be directed to Aleksandra Ciprijanovic (aleksand@fnal.gov). Please don’t hesitate to ask anything you’re unsure about! 

Benefits/Perks: 

Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts 

• Paid time off 

• Life insurance 

• Short and Long-term disability insurance 

• Retirement benefits 

 â€¢ On-site day care 

 Equal Opportunity Statement 

 Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.