Postdoctoral Associate in Nuclear Theory
About the role
The T-2 group (Nuclear and Particle Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology) in the Theoretical Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory invites applications for postdoctoral positions in Nuclear Theory to begin in Fall 2027. Candidates are expected to have a Ph.D. in nuclear theory or a closely related field by the beginning of the postdoctoral appointment, obtained no earlier than 5 years before the relevant due date (i.e., Oct or Dec 2021). Exceptionally well qualified candidates may be considered for a Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship or Distinguished (Feynman/Oppenheimer/Hoffman) Postdoctoral Fellowship. Candidates wishing to be considered for these Fellowships must have all application materials submitted by Monday, October 5, 2026. For regular postdoctoral appointments, please submit by Monday December 14, 2026. The position is onsite in Los Alamos, NM; work location is at the discretion of management.
Responsibilities
The nuclear-theory team conducts research on a broad set of topics, including effective theories of strong and weak interactions, low-energy phenomenology within and beyond the Standard Model, neutrino physics and astrophysics, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, heavy-ion physics and physics of the quark-gluon plasma, perturbative QCD, quantum few- and many-body systems, and quantum computing, and machine learning and artificial intelligence applied to these areas. Candidates working in all these areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
Requirements
- Established research record in the above categories or closely related areas.
- Ability to conduct research in a collaborative environment in nuclear theory, and present those results in both written papers and scientific talks.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in nuclear or particle theory or a related field of study, obtained before the start of the appointment.
Benefits
- PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
- Dental and vision insurance
- Free basic life and disability insurance
- Paid childbirth and parental leave