Heising-Simons Fellows in Quantum Gravity

1000scholars; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Caltech invites up to five Heising-Simons Fellows in Quantum Gravity to begin around September 1, 2027. Fellows will explore theoretical proposals and possible observational signatures of quantum gravity, collaborating with a diverse team across institutions and attending yearly workshops.

The program emphasizes inclusive excellence and active research travel support. The ideal candidate will hold a PhD, be strong in gravity theory, and be excited by linking theory with potential laboratory or

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is required.
• Experience in gravity and quantum gravity is desirable.
• Interest in observability of quantum effects in gravity and related experiments is welcome.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in quantum gravity and its observational signatures.
• Collaborate with a diverse group of theorists and participate in workshops.
• Present results at seminars and collaborations’ meetings.

Skills

Theoretical physics

Quantum gravity

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

Position Description

The Heising-Simons Collaboration on "Observational Signatures of Quantum Gravity" invites postdoctoral applications for up to five Heising-Simons Fellows in Quantum Gravity, to begin around September 1, 2027.

The goal of this collaboration is to bring together theorists from diverse backgrounds to develop theoretically well-founded proposals of quantum gravity and explore their possible observational signatures. We believe that connecting formal advances in quantum gravity to the natural world we live in could result in a true breakthrough. We therefore seek a paradigm shift that brings theory and observation together, helping to close the chasm between quantum mechanics and gravity. We will tackle foundational issues, effective descriptions, and observational tests of those effective descriptions. We are committed to inclusive excellence and innovation and thus hope to develop a diverse and thriving collaborative community.

• Yanbei Chen (Caltech)
• Ben Freivogel (University of Amsterdam)
• Steve Giddings (University of California, Santa Barbara)
• Cynthia Keeler (Arizona State University)
• Maulik Parikh (Arizona State University)
• Erik Verlinde (University of Amsterdam)
• Kathryn Zurek (Caltech)

Our research interests span quantum gravity, particle theory, string theory, gravitational waves, and astrophysics. The collaboration will feature extended visits between the collaboration hubs, and yearly workshops of all collaboration members to discuss open research questions and progress.

To learn more about the collaboration visit www.qurios.caltech.edu.

The ideal candidate will have technical skills to work in gravity and will be interested in exploring new questions related to possible observability of quantum effects in gravity, manifested in laboratory experiments such as interferometers, cosmological observation, or observation of astrophysical objects such as black holes e.g. via gravitational waves.

The appointment requires completion of a PhD and is expected to start as early as September 2026 with competitive compensation and significant research travel support. The initial appointment will be for two years with expected renewal for a third year contingent on performance review. The salary range for this position is $76,000 - $80,000. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, qualifications, skills, education, specialty, training, and internal equity.

The QuRIOS Collaboration at Caltech also operates within the vibrant theory community of the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics at Caltech; for more information, see https://www.theory.caltech.edu and https://burkeinstitute.caltech.edu.

Please address any science questions to Dr. Kathryn Zurek ([e-mail]), or other collaboration members, and any administrative questions to Carol Silberstein, [e-mail].

Benefits

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more.

EEO Statement

Caltech is an equal opportunity employer and, as a federal contractor, takes affirmative action to employ qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” Poster | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity ….