Lederman Fellow

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement benefits

Onsite day care

Job summary

Fermilab invites applications for the Lederman Fellowship, a three-year postdoctoral research opportunity at our Batavia, IL campus. Fellows may pursue any area in Fermilab's broad program and contribute to education and outreach activities such as Saturday Morning Physics.

Candidates must have or anticipate a Ph.D. in experimental particle physics, astrophysics, or related field by Sept 1, 2027, and demonstrate strong research ability and outreach capacity.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in experimental particle physics, astrophysics, or closely related field by Sept 1, 2027 or after Sept 1, 2025.
• Demonstrated exceptional ability in research.
• Ability to participate in physics outreach and education activities.
• Adherence to environment, safety and health regulations.

Skills

Exceptional research ability

Outreach capability

Safety and compliance awareness

Education

Ph.D. in experimental particle physics / astrophysics or related field

Job description

The expected hiring range for this position is: $69,800.00-$92,600.00. 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. This position is not eligible for the referral bonus program. This position is eligible for relocation assistance and sponsorship assistance.

About the Role

The Lederman Fellowship at Fermilab is intended to attract exceptional postdoctoral candidates who have demonstrated outstanding ability in research and who, in addition, have a strong interest in education and outreach. Lederman Fellows are free to choose any area in Fermilab's broad experimental program for performing their research, including neutrino physics, research on the CMS experiment at the LHC and proposed future colliders, astroparticle physics, intensity frontier experiments such as Mu2e, quantum information science, and quantum sensor research. In recognition of Leon Lederman’s commitment to the teaching of physics at all levels, Fellows are also expected to participate for a fraction of their time in education. An example would be the Saturday Morning Physics program or other outreach. Candidates not selected for the Lederman Fellowship may be considered for other Research Associate opportunities at Fermilab. The Lederman Fellowship is a 3-year appointment with the possibility for an extension of up to two (2) additional years.

Skills and Attributes for Success

Candidates should have obtained a Ph.D. in experimental particle physics, astrophysics, or a closely related field after September 1, 2025, or should expect to obtain a Ph.D. in one of the same fields by September 1, 2027. Demonstrated exceptional ability in research. Ability to participate in physics outreach. Abides by all environment, safety, and health regulations.

Physical activity and work conditions
Human factors: Mental concentration, sitting, and standing
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.

Benefits/Perks

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 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. Fermilab is the United States' premier particle physics laboratory. We work on the world's largest and most advanced particle accelerators and dig down to the tiniest building blocks of matter. We probe the farthest reaches of the universe, seeking out the nature of dark matter and dark energy. Fermilab's over 2,000 employees include scientists and engineers from all around the world and collaborators from more than 50 countries on physics experiments based in the United States and elsewhere. Our work experience is the combination of everything that's unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, our people. To learn more about Fermilab's employee programs, visit our main Careers site. Please contact [e-mail] to request accommodations for completing the application process.

Role context

This postdoctoral research fellowship exists to provide independent scientific investigation opportunities within major national laboratory settings. Positioned between graduate research programs and permanent staff scientist appointments, early-career researchers in this function conduct self-directed empirical studies across experimental physics disciplines. They operate within large-scale research facilities, contributing to foundational science projects while actively supporting public scientific education and outreach initiatives. This dual focus ensures the continuation of advanced experimental physics research while building broader public engagement and educational pathways.

Quantum ecosystem relevance

This fellowship supports the quantum ecosystem by enabling independent research in quantum information science and quantum sensing technologies within national laboratory facilities. By investigating fundamental physical principles and novel sensing mechanisms, researchers in this capacity help expand the scientific foundation required for advanced quantum hardware. Furthermore, integrating science education and community outreach into the research workflow helps cultivate future talent, fostering long-term educational pipelines necessary to sustain quantum research and technology development across academic and national laboratory ecosystems.

Capability signals

• Advanced expertise in experimental physics research methodologies and data collection techniques
• Experience conducting independent research projects within national laboratory environments
• Capability to communicate complex scientific concepts through structured educational outreach programs
• Demonstrated track record of scholarly research output in physical sciences
• Understanding of experimental protocols, safety standards, and laboratory operational compliance