Postdoctoral Scholar in Materials and Detector Physics

Professor Shiva Abbaszadeh in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for two Postdoctoral Scholars in Materials and Detector Physics.

The Radiological Instrumentation Laboratory (RIL) is run by Assistant Professor Shiva Abbaszadeh of the ECE Department at UC Santa Cruz. RIL works on detector instrumentation from start to finish, beginning with materials exploration, detector fabrication and characterization, instrument design and construction, data acquisition, and signal processing. We collaborate with other groups at UCSC and other universities, National Labs, and industry partners, all working to advance technology in radiation detection. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team focused on advancing the field of radiation detection and detector development through innovative materials design, investigation, and application to imaging systems.

In this role, and under the supervision and mentorship of Professor Abbaszadeh, you will develop and validate system-level Monte Carlo simulations using GATE/Geant4 and design, construct, and characterize CZT detector modules, integrating realistic detector geometry, charge transport, and energy-response modeling with experimental measurements to refine detector performance and enable advanced imaging systems for medical imaging, high-energy physics, and related applications.

This position's duties will include the following:

• Development and validation of system-level Monte Carlo simulations using GATE/Geant4, including realistic detector geometry, charge transport, and energy-response modeling.
• Design, construction, and characterization of CZT detector modules.
• Experimental characterization of CZT detectors, including energy resolution, timing performance, charge sharing, and depth-of-interaction effects.
• Integration, testing, and debugging of front-end readout electronics, including RENA boards, intermediate boards, DAQ firmware/software, and system synchronization.
• Quantitative comparison of simulated and experimental data to refine detector models and imaging performance.
• Contribution to hardware troubleshooting, calibration procedures, and long-term system stability studies for CZT-based imaging systems.
• Prepare and present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and at regular group meetings.
• Contribute to group discussions, problem-solving, and organization.
• Take an active role in ensuring laboratory and member safety, ensuring compliance in relation to equipment's used in work.
• Collaborate with other research teams and scientists, including other universities and industry partners
• Assist with mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
• Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals, contribute to collaborative publications, and contribute to writing grants and proposals.
• Contribute positively to the active research culture.

We encourage the exploration of new simulation methodologies, detector designs, and experimental techniques beyond the lab's current focus, and welcome candidates who bring complementary expertise in GATE/Geant4 Monte Carlo modeling, CZT detector development, front-end electronics integration, and quantitative simulation-to-experiment validation to strengthen and expand the group's imaging research capabilities.

Applicants with any of the following areas of expertise or experience are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Prior experience with Monte Carlo radiation transport simulations, preferably GATE/Geant4 for PET and/or SPECT imaging systems.
• Strong understanding of CZT detector physics.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific programming using Python and/or C .
• Prior experience building, integrating, or operating multi-channel CZT imaging systems.
• Experience with simultaneously managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines; and/or
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

• Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or a field relevant to the advertised position. Ph.D. must be in hand at the time of the appointment (rather than at the time of application). It is expected that the degree requirement will be completed by March 31, 2026.
• Record of a minimum of three (3) publications as first author.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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