Theory Division / Particle Theory Research Associate

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.

The Fermilab Particle Theory Department invites applications for postdoctoral research appointments starting in the fall of 2026. Postdoctoral research associates in the Particle Theory Department are appointed for three years. They are expected to perform self-directed theoretical physics research on topics of their own choosing, and are encouraged to work with members of the senior scientific staff and other postdocs within the Theory Division. The Fermilab Particle Theory research program focuses on neutrino physics, lattice field theory, collider phenomenology, and physics beyond the Standard Model. The Theory Division also includes the Astrophysics Theory Department and the Quantum Theory Department.

The senior scientific staff of the Particle Theory Department consists of John Campbell, Bogdan Dobrescu, George Fleming, Patrick Fox, Stefan Hoeche, Andreas Kronfeld, Pedro Machado, Stephen Parke, Noemi Rocco, Ruth Van de Water and Michael Wagman.

Further details can be found on our website: http://theory.fnal.gov/.

Qualifications:

• Candidates should have obtained a Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics, or a closely related field, or expect to earn a Ph.D. in the same fields, by September 1, 2026.

• Demonstrated experience in theoretical physics research.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Willingness to respect, understand and value individual differences that embody laboratory principles of diversity and inclusion.

• Ability to abide by all environment, safety and health regulations.

Application Instructions:
Candidates should submit via Academic Jobs Online:

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1) Curriculum Vitae
2) List of publications
3) Statement of research interests
4) Three or more letters of recommendation submitted to AJO by the reference writers.

To learn more about members of the Particle Theory Department and our research activities, please visit: http://theory.fnal.gov

Physical Activity and Work Conditions:
HUMAN FACTORS: Mental Concentration, Sitting, and Tight Work Schedule.

Demonstrated experience in theoretical astrophysics research.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to abide by all environment, safety and health regulations.

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.

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive, and drug-free work environment. As part of the hiring process, candidates must successfully complete a background check and drug screening. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these screenings.

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.

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.

What To Expect Next:
We'll be in touch! If your qualifications are in alignment with the position requirements, one of our recruiters will be reaching out to schedule a phone interview to learn more about your career interests and goals. In the meantime, we encourage you to check us out on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, or our About Us page.