Job Description

Posting Details
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Institution South Dakota Mines
Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher
Posting Number NFE02851P
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 research position within its Particle Physics and Astrophysics group. This is a full-time, benefited position. The successful candidate will primarily work on the DUNE experiment and will take on a leadership role in the DUNE Photon Detection System (PDS) consortium focusing on the novel application of Power-over-Fiber (PoF) technology for powering the DUNE PDS. Responsibilities include leading efforts in production preparation, QA/QC, and underground installation of the PoF system for the DUNE PDS at SURF. The successful candidate will also play a leadership role in the analysis of data collected by DUNE prototypes located at CERN.
South Dakota Mines is located less than an hour's drive from the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), home to the DUNE Far Detector, the LZ dark matter experiment, the CASPAR underground accelerator, and the MAJORANA Demonstrator. DUNE is the largest next-generation long-baseline neutrino experiment and is currently under construction at SURF.
The expected start date is as early as November 1, 2025.
Minimum qualification:

• A Ph.D. in high-energy physics or a related field is required

Preferred qualifications: * Strong background in data analysis for high energy physics experiments, with particular experience in liquid argon time projection chambers is a plus.

• Experience with hardware activities in high-energy physics detectors.

Final candidates will be asked to provide up to three letters of recommendation, to be addressed to Associate Professor David Martinez Caicedo.
To Apply:
South Dakota Mines is committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce and offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options for employees, spouses and dependents; retirement plans; paid holidays; and a generous vacation and sick day allowance. Individuals interested in this position must apply online at . Human Resources can provide accommodation to the online application process and may be reached at (605) 394-1203. Review of applications will begin October 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
Please attach a cover letter, research statement, resume, and a list of three professional references (include name and email address for each reference)
Posting Date 09/17/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date 10/15/2025
Advertised Salary $55,000 - $58,000 dependent on education and experience
Duration of the Term 12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Work Hours
7:30am-4:30pm
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, Overnight stays
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
South Dakota Mines has made a focus of underground physics experiments to increase our understanding of particle physics and the universe, with recent hires resulting in a group of five faculty collaborating on experiments on direct detection of dark matter, neutrino oscillations, cosmic neutrinos, and nuclear astrophysics, providing a rich environment for research in particle physics and cosmology.
Founded in 1885, South Dakota Mines is the premier destination for ambitious students seeking bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees at the intersection of innovation and tradition. Renowned for hands-on learning and pioneering research, Mines educates future leaders in STEM fields who will make a meaningful impact on the world. Our vibrant community of supportive faculty, tenacious students, and passionate alumni fosters a culture of ingenuity, collaboration, and lifelong success.
Nearly 2,500 students from every state and over 40 countries are represented on the Mines campus. The university is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and boasts a strong return on investment for its graduates. With an average class size of 24 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Mines is committed to delivering an education that equips students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
At Mines, student life is vibrant and welcoming, offering more than 80 clubs and organizations that foster a sense of community and provide leadership opportunities. Co-curricular activities, such as internships, cooperative education opportunities, and professional development programs, ensure that students gain practical, hands-on experience in their fields while enhancing their academic learning. Students can explore their passions outside the classroom, from competitive athletics, music programs, and intramural sports to professional societies, competitive engineering teams, and cultural clubs.
South Dakota Mines faculty, staff, and students drive groundbreaking research across five main areas: advanced materials and manufacturing, deep underground science and engineering, critical and sustainable resources, smart and resilient cyber-infrastructure, and data science and numerical modeling. This research advances technology and innovation and offers students hands-on opportunities to address real-world challenges, preparing them for leadership roles in their careers and beyond. With a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, South Dakota Mines provides programming that empowers students and faculty to transform scientific and technological innovations into viable products and startups.
Rapid City, the home of the Hardrockers, is the state's second-largest city, with an MSA population of over 158,000. The city sees an average of 226 days of sunshine annually and is surrounded by many things to see and do. The region has roughly 1.2 million acres of breathtaking scenery in the Black Hills National Forest, 700 miles of motorized trails, nearly 500 miles of hiking trails as well as top attractions like historic Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Terry Peak Ski Area, and Reptile Gardens.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota Mines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. South Dakota Mines and the Board of Regents ensures that all employment practices are free of discrimination.
Contact Information

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