Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Description

The High Energy Theory group at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) invites applications for one or more postdoctoral research positions, some of which may be joint between UIUC and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), starting in the Fall of 2027. Appointments will be for two-year terms with possible extension to a third year.

We are seeking candidates with research interests in any of the following:

• dark matter phenomenology (especially at the intersection of HEP, condensed matter physics, and quantum sensing)
• lattice field theory
• lattice QCD
• particle cosmology
• particle phenomenology
• quantum field theory
• quantum gravity/string theory
• quantum information science (QIS and applications to quantum gravity)

The UIUC High Energy Theory group faculty working in these research areas include Patrick Draper, Aida El-Khadra, Tom Faulkner, Jessie Shelton, and Tanner Trickle.

Successful candidates will benefit from the UIUC High Energy Theory group's integration with campus research centers, including the Illinois Center for Advanced Study of the Universe (ICASU), the Anthony J. Leggett Institute for Condensed Matter Theory (AJL-ICMT), and the Illinois Quantum Information Science and Technology Center (IQUIST), alongside close external connections to Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab.

Additionally, the ideal candidate for possible joint Fermilab-UIUC positions will have interests in HEP, lattice field theory, lattice QCD, particle cosmology, or quantum information science that overlap with those of Fermilab Theory Division scientists and UIUC High Energy Theory group faculty.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. awarded within 10 years of the start date of the position.

Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, a research statement.

For joint Fermilab-UIUC positions, the hired candidate is expected to spend time at both Fermilab and UIUC. Specific logistics will be agreed upon by the candidate and hiring committee.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tonya Ayers (View email address on click.appcast.io).

Postdoctoral research positions at the University of Illinois are intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.