Aobo Li
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Postdoctoral Scholar in Agentic ML Development for Nuclear Physics University of California, San Diego in United States
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Salary range of $76,881–$82,677 per year according to the UC Postdoctoral Scholar salary scale.
Deadline
Dec 15, 2026
Country
United States
University
University of California, San Diego
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About this position
The Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute at the University of California San Diego is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to advance agentic ML for nuclear physics. The project is centered on building next-generation LLM-agent systems for scientific discovery, especially for dark matter and neutrino research.
The scholar will work with a group engaged in major international experiments, including LEGEND, KamLAND-Zen, XLZD, and a quantum-enabled lumped element axion haloscope. The research aims to embed agentic AI more deeply into physics discovery workflows and to accelerate key stages of experimental and data-analysis pipelines.
The position builds on the group’s SIDERIUS framework for long-horizon machine-learning development. Rather than simply maintaining the existing system, the postdoctoral scholar is expected to extend it with new methods and applications, including broader scientific problems, additional data modalities, and more complex scientific tasks such as data analysis, quantum control, experimental design, and detector monitoring.
The role also offers opportunities to engage with projects associated with the DOE Genesis Mission and to collaborate with researchers at U.S. national laboratories, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as well as industry collaborators.
The position is based at UC San Diego’s HDSI and Department of Physics, with the possibility of remote work depending on work authorization restrictions and the PI’s preferences.
Funding details
Salary range of $76,881–$82,677 per year according to the UC Postdoctoral Scholar salary scale.
What's required
Applicants must have, or expect to receive before the start date, a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, or a related field. Experience with large language models and agentic AI is strongly preferred but not required. Strong programming proficiency and familiarity with using high-performance computing (HPC) systems are expected. Experience in machine learning, agentic AI, software engineering, scientific machine learning, or particle/nuclear physics is desirable. Candidates from both computational and physics backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Submit the application through AcademicJobsOnline. Upload a CV, research statement, one-page Agent Statement, and names and contact information for three references. Read the SIDERIUS paper and address either your assessment of it or how you would apply it to another scientific task.
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Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Prof. at University of California, San Diego
United States
Research Interests
Nuclear Physics
Particle Physics
Physics
Computer Science
Dark Matter
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.