Postdoctoral Researcher (TV-L 13, Full-time) for Generative AI and Particle Physics Simulation (ERC

The Data Science in Phyics Group at TUM invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher (TV-L 13, Full-time) for Generative AI and Particle Physics Simulation (ERC Project).

Employer: Technical University of Munich (TUM), Data Science in Physics Group

Location: Garching (Munich), Germany

Contract: Full-time (100%), TV-L E13 ; fixed-term 2 years with possibility of extension

Project: LEGO - A Fast and Smart Foundation Model for Particle Transport Simulation

PI: Prof. Dr. Lukas Heinrich

About Us:

The Data Science in Physics Group specializes in developing novel data science methods for frontier experiments in fundamental physics. The group is a member of the ATLAS Collaboration at the LHC (funded by the BMFTR) and also integrated into the collaborative research grants SFB1258: Neutrinos, Dark Matter, Messengers and the ORIGINS Cluster of Excellence. The group is also associated to the Munich Data Science Institute (MDSI) and the Munich Center for Machine Learning (MCML). Within ORIGINS, the group has a coordinating role in the ORIGINS Data Science Lab, which serves as a hub for researchers across particle physics, astrophysics, cosmology and life sciences engaged in data-intensive research. Research topics include: Machine Learning methods for the physics sciences, Simulation-based Inference, Foundation Models, Statistical Modelling as well as large-scale distributed computing.

The Project:

The position will work within the ERC-funded LEGO project, which aims to create foundation models for particle-material interactions in order to accelerate particle physics research and discovery in an experiment-agnostic manner. As part of the project, we will develop new large-scale datasets, train generative AI models for particle interactions and develop innovative particle reconstruction algorithms for application domains in particle physics and beyond.

The Position:

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher (full-time, TVL-13 public service paygrade) at the intersection of simulation and generative AI to launch the new ERC funded project LEGO. The position will work closely with the project PI (Lukas Heinrich) to develop a strategic vision for the project and collaborate closely with an ongoing PhD student working full-time on the project. The position will initially be filled for two years, with possibility to extend.

Responsibilities

• Development of a Simulation Platform using Geant4;


• Research and Development into procedural geometry generation;


• Research and Development of Generative AI models for particle transport simulation;


• Supervision of Student Projects within the LEGO project.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in Physics or a related field;


• Experience in Simulation Software for particle transport, such as Geant4, MCNP or Fluka;


• Experience in C++, Python and optionally ML dialects (JAX, PyTorch, Tensorflow);


• Interest or Experience in advanced Generative AI approaches using modern machine learning techniques;


• Effective presentation, communication and collaborative development skills;


• Experience in Open Source development and workflows.

What We Offer

• A full-time postdoctoral position in an ERC-funded project at a leading European research university with a vibrant physics and computer science community;


• An interdisciplinary, dynamic environment at the interface of particle physics, machine learning, simulation and high-performance computing;


• Access to large-scale computing facilities for HPC and AI (MPCDF, LRZ);


• Opportunities for collaboration within the ATLAS Collaboration, ORIGINS Cluster, SFB1258 and the wider AI & physics community in Munich.

Documents to Submit

• Recent CV;


• Short (1-2 page) research statement on your past research, your interest and potential contributions to the project;


• Three references to contact.

Please send applications as a single PDF to with the subject header "LEGO Simulation PD Application". Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The start date is targeted to be eary 2026. Applications submitted until Nov 30th will receive full consideration.

TUM is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, age, sexual orientation or identity. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of essentially equal qualifications.

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