AI Associates

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:

The Artificial Intelligence Associate program at Fermilab is an exciting initiative that we have been building for several years now. We are looking for enthusiastic, technically skilled researchers who want to revolutionize particle physics. At Fermilab, you will have the opportunity to develop and apply new AI/ML techniques to unique experimental datasets and designs, theoretical models, and national laboratory operations. Each AI associate works on a few complementary projects, enabling deep focus, impactful results, and cross-disciplinary inspiration. Projects range from research topics in theory, particle physics, and cosmology to operations of experiments and lab functions.

Position is typically a 1-year term with the possibility of being extended as appropriate. There is possibility for promotion to AI researcher staff position.

What your day-to-day as an Artificial Intelligence Associate at Fermilab will look like:

• Developing and applying AI/ML algorithms for research and operations projects at Fermilab.
• Researching, identifying, and refining project solutions and providing analytics.
• Providing regular reporting of analysis and progress.
• You may be asked to perform other duties assigned by supervisor.
• Abiding by and being responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• Bachelor's, master's degree, or PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or related computing or physics field and up to 2 years of relevant experience, equivalent combination of education and experience considered in lieu of bachelor's degree.
• Required experience with Python, applied in one or more of the following areas: software development, system integration, application deployment, agent orchestration, or data source ingestion.

Work Arrangement: Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Application Instructions:
Interested candidate should complete formal submission via AcademicJobsOnline: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo?job-5273

1. Curriculum vitae

2. One Letter of Support

3. Research statement not to exceed two (2) pages giving a focused description of a previous research project, highlighting the relevance of the project and the particular role played in project.

Please be aware that any AI-generated applications will be rejected automatically.

Application submittals should be received on or prior to September 30, 2026 for formal consideration.

For information about this position, please contact Giuseppe Cerati (cerati@fnal.gov)

Benefits/Perks:
Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care
  

Why Fermilab:
Fermilab is America's premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.