Postdoc position on AI/ML modelling of nuclear data for dark matter indirect searches with cosmic-rays

Job description: The Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC) in Grenoble, France, invites applications for an 18-month postdoctoral position to work on the MACHINE-XS project. It aims to improve indirect dark matter searches with cosmic rays by using AI and Machine Learning to model nuclear reaction cross-sections (for the full science case, see Maurin et al., 2026). The goal of the project is to extract and curate nuclear data from structured databases (and possibly from unstructured publications), then benchmark a suite of AI/ML methods (e.g., symbolic regression, boosted decision trees, deep and Bayesian neural networks, etc.) to provide robust model predictions and uncertainties from largely incomplete and sometimes inconsistent data. This will require handling basic tools for data manipulation and analysis, cleaning experimental or simulated data while managing outliers and missing values. It also involves developing models using classical methods as well as advanced architectures, with the ability to select and adapt existing models from the literature to the physics problem at hand. Finally, it will involve choosing physics-driven metrics (relative error, invariant conservation, physical constraints) beyond simple accuracy or loss, quantifying prediction confidence intervals, distinguishing and propagating uncertainties. Another step will be to identify the new nuclear measurements that would most drastically improve the cross-section models. Finally, the models will be distributed to the community and applied to re-evaluate astrophysical and dark matter constraints from cosmic-ray data. The postdoc will join the dynamic Observational Cosmology team (12 staff members, alongside PhD students and postdocs, see webpage in French) involved, among others, in the Euclid and Rubin-LSST projects. The position is funded by the MIAI Cluster (Multidisciplinary Institute in Artificial Intelligence), connecting more than 500 faculty members and engineers, and more than 350 PhD students working on AI and related fields, in an ecosystem involving private partners. Contact: David Maurin (david.maurin@lpsc.in2p3.fr). Profile and eligibility Candidates should hold a PhD in any of computer science, astrophysics, high-energy physics, cosmology, or a related field, and have demonstrated experience with AI/ML; no prerequisite is expected on cosmic-ray science. The project on nuclear cross-sections is the priority of this postdoctoral position, but the ability to also discuss AI/ML solutions in the broader context of the team's activities will be considered an asset. Candidates must have less than two years of research experience after the PhD. The position offers a flexible starting date to be arranged with the successful candidate, from October to December 2026 at the latest. The University Grenoble-Alpes is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. Application material CV, publication list, statement of research experience and interests, and two reference letters should be sent to david.maurin@lpsc.in2p3.fr. Deadline Applications received by May 29, 2026 will receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Additional information Net salary (after taxes) ranges from 2300 to 2400 euros per month. The position includes the standard French social security benefits (health care, parental leave, sick days, retirement) and 45 days per year of paid holidays. Speaking French is not required for the position. About Grenoble Grenoble is home to 55,000 students, including 8,500 international students, and is recognized as one of the world's leading hubs for physics innovation, receiving the 2026 Award for European Capital of Innovation. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene with numerous social, sports, and scientific events. Located in the French Alps, it provides exceptional natural scenery and abundant outdoor recreation (see tourism website). The city is well-connected: 3 hours from Paris by train, 2 hours from Geneva and its international airport, 3 hours from the Mediterranean coast, and close to Lyon St-Exupéry airport with affordable connections to Europe and beyond. Contact: Maurin, David (david.maurin@lpsc.in2p3.fr) Letters of Reference should be sent to: david.maurin@lpsc.in2p3.fr